Constructing a blues scale for improvisation on the harmonica involves understanding the specific intervals that define the scale and how those intervals translate to note choices and bends on the instrument. The blues scale, a variation of the minor pentatonic scale, is fundamental to creating the characteristic sounds of blues music and is used heavily in blues improvisation.
The blues scale consists of seven notes. Starting from the root, the intervals are: root, minor third, perfect fourth, flat fifth, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and an octave. So, for example, in the key of G, the G blues scale would be G, Bb, C, C#, D, F, G. The inclusion of the flat fifth (C#) is what distinguishes the blues scale from the minor pentatonic scale, giving it that characteristic bluesy dissonance, and the ability to achieve this note through bending on a harmonica makes it an ideal scale.
To construct a blues scale on the harmonica, you first need to determine the key of the song and then choose the correct harmonica position. For most blues playing, second position ("cross harp") is used. If you are playing a song in the key of G, you would choose a C harmonica, and your G blues scale would be....
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