Explain what a blues scale is. Show a blues scale on G

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• A special scale which includes the flatted (lowered) third, fifth, and seventh scale degrees in addition to the usual (un-flatted) scale degrees of a major scale. For example, if beginning on the pitch G the blues scale, including the flatted scale degrees is:
G A Bb B C Db D E F F# G

Notice how the blues scale on G expands the usual G major scale to include the flatted 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th scale degrees (shown as underlined) along with the other usual scale degrees of a major scale (the 7^th scale degree is F# in the key of G major).