C# Minor Blues Guitar Scale — Open G
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Minor Blues in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The C# Minor Blues scale is the definitive scale of the blues tradition. On Guitar, it contains the notes C#, E, F#, G, G#, B. 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: C#, E, F#, G, G#, B
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: Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
Also known as: blues
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C# Minor Blues in Standard Tuning
- C# Minor Blues in Drop D
- C# Minor Blues in DADGAD
- C# Minor Blues in Baritone (B Standard)
- C# Minor Blues in 7-string
- C# Minor Blues in 8-string
- C# Minor Blues in Drop C
- C# Minor Blues in Drop B
- C# Minor Blues in Open D
- C# Minor Blues in Half Step Down
- C# Minor Blues in Open E
- C# Minor Blues in Open A
- C# Minor Blues in Double Drop D
- C# Minor Blues in Open C