F Minor Blues Guitar Scale — Half Step Down
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
F Minor Blues in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The F Minor Blues scale is the definitive scale of the blues tradition. On Guitar, it contains the notes F, Ab, Bb, B, C, Eb. 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: F, Ab, Bb, B, C, Eb
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: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
Also known as: blues
About Half Step Down Tuning
Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.
The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.
Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana
Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- F Minor Blues in Standard Tuning
- F Minor Blues in Drop D
- F Minor Blues in DADGAD
- F Minor Blues in Open G
- F Minor Blues in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Minor Blues in 7-string
- F Minor Blues in 8-string
- F Minor Blues in Drop C
- F Minor Blues in Drop B
- F Minor Blues in Open D
- F Minor Blues in Open E
- F Minor Blues in Open A
- F Minor Blues in Double Drop D
- F Minor Blues in Open C