B Minor Blues Guitar Scale — DADGAD
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
B Minor Blues in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The B Minor Blues scale is the definitive scale of the blues tradition. On Guitar, it contains the notes B, D, E, F, F#, A. By adding a chromatic tension note to the minor pentatonic, it creates the dirty and expressive grit associated with Chicago and Delta blues, essential for any player looking to add emotional bite to their solos. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Jazz, R&B. Notable players include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy. Use over minor chords and dominant 7th chords in blues. The b5 is a passing tone — linger on it for tension, resolve to 4 or 5.
Notes: B, D, E, F, F#, A
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5d, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6
Formula: WH-W-H-H-WH-W
Number of notes: 6
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
Also known as: blues
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- B Minor Blues in Standard Tuning
- B Minor Blues in Drop D
- B Minor Blues in Open G
- B Minor Blues in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Minor Blues in 7-string
- B Minor Blues in 8-string
- B Minor Blues in Drop C
- B Minor Blues in Drop B
- B Minor Blues in Open D
- B Minor Blues in Half Step Down
- B Minor Blues in Open E
- B Minor Blues in Open A
- B Minor Blues in Double Drop D
- B Minor Blues in Open C