How to play the C, F and G Blue scales on Piano

Blues scales are used to create melodies and to make up leads or improvisations that sound cool. This article will show you how to play the C, F and G blues scales on piano.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piano, keyboard, or computer/ software keyboard facsimile

1. 
   The C Chord and the C Blues Scale

   PLAY THE C BLUES SCALE
   This is built using some notes of the C scale, with some notes changed. Notes of the C Blues scale are:
   C Eb F F# G Bb C
   
   Play the C Blues scale with your right hand while pressing and holding the notes of the C chord (C-E-G) in your left hand.

2. 
   The F chord and the F Blues scale

   PLAY THE F BLUES SCALE
   This is made out of the notes:
   F Ab Bb B C Eb F
   
   Play the F blues scales in your right hand while pressing and holding the notes of the F chord (F-A-C) in your left hand.

3. 

   PLAY THE G BLUES SCALE
   The G Blues scale is made out of the notes:
   G Bb C C# D F G
   
   Play the G Blues scales in your right hand while pressing and holding the notes of the G chord (G-B-D)

Tips & Warnings

• Thinking about the shape of the blues scales notes can make it easier to play. For example, the first 3 notes of the C Blues scale (C Eb F) form a large triangle. The F, F# and G notes form a small triangle; and G,Bb and C form a large triangle.
• Using your thumb (in the right hand) to play the white notes and your pointer or middle finger to play the black notes will help you play the entire C Blues scale faster.
• The F blues scale is easier to play if you use your thumb, then pointer, then middle fingers on the first 3 notes, then thumb, pointer, middle and ring finger on the remaining notes.

Resources

• Suz Doyle Music web site
• Other articles by SuzDoyleMusic