B Minor Hexatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
B Minor Hexatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Minor Hexatonic scale is a six-note scale that bridges the gap between the minor pentatonic and full modal scales. On Piano, it contains the notes B, C#, D, E, F#, A#. It has a soulful, minor character but offers more melodic flexibility, making it a common choice for blues and jazz-rock soloing. Commonly used in Blues, Jazz-Rock, R&B, Soul. Notable players include B.B. King, Albert King, John Mayer. Use over m7 chords and blues changes. More flexible than minor pentatonic but less complex than full Dorian.
Notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6
Formula: W-H-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Bridges the gap between the 5-note minor pentatonic and full 7-note modes — adds one note that provides extra melodic flexibility while maintaining the blues feel.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Blues, Jazz-Rock, R&B, Soul
Notable players: B.B. King, Albert King, John Mayer
How to Use the B Minor Hexatonic Scale
Use over m7 chords and blues changes. More flexible than minor pentatonic but less complex than full Dorian.
Origin & Background
A practical blues scale that adds melodic depth to the minor pentatonic without the full complexity of 7-note scales.
How to Play B Minor Hexatonic on Piano
On piano, the B Minor Hexatonic scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on B and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The B Minor Hexatonic scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the B Minor Hexatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D, C#-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Minor Hexatonic scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz-rock contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the B Minor Hexatonic scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a soulful quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Minor Hexatonic scale contains 6 notes (B, C#, D, E, F#, A#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.