Mastering the A Minor Blues Scale on the Guitar: Essential Tips and Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

Mastering the A minor blues scale on the guitar can open up a whole new world of musical possibilities. With its rich, soulful sound and versatility, the A minor blues scale is a must-know for any aspiring guitarist. In this guide, we'll break down the essential tips and techniques for understanding and playing the A minor blues scale guitar, so you can start incorporating it into your own music today.

Understanding the A Minor Blues Scale

Before we dive into playing the A minor blues scale on the guitar, let's take a closer look at its basic structure, common notes, and the relationship between the scale and its chords. This foundation will help you better understand how to use the scale in your own playing.

Basic Structure

The A minor blues scale is a six-note scale that consists of the following notes:

A (root)
C (minor third)
D (perfect fourth)
D# (flat fifth or "blue" note)
E (perfect fifth)
G (minor seventh)

The addition of the D# (flat fifth) is what gives the scale its distinctive "bluesy" sound, setting it apart from the more common A minor pentatonic scale.

Common Notes

When playing the A minor blues scale on the guitar, you'll often find that certain notes are emphasized more than others. These "common notes" provide the foundation for many blues licks and solos. In the A minor blues scale, the most important notes to be aware of are:

A – The root note, which establishes the key of the scale
C – The minor third, which gives the scale its minor quality
D# – The flat fifth or "blue" note, which adds the characteristic blues sound

Scale and Chords Relationship

Understanding the relationship between the A minor blues scale and its associated chords can help you create more interesting and harmonically rich solos. The primary chords that work well with the A minor blues scale are:

A minor (A, C, E)
D minor (D, F, A)
E7 (E, G#, B, D)

These chords, often referred to as the I-IV-V progression in blues music, provide a solid harmonic foundation for your solos and improvisations using the A minor blues scale guitar.

Fingering Patterns

Now that we have a solid understanding of the A minor blues scale, let's explore some common fingering patterns on the guitar. These patterns will help you become more comfortable playing the scale and serve as a foundation for creating your own licks and solos.

Open Position

In the open position, the A minor blues scale can be played using a combination of open strings and fretted notes. The open position is a great starting point for beginners, as it allows you to become familiar with the scale without having to worry about complex fingerings. Here's a simple open position fingering pattern for the A minor blues scale guitar:

E|-------------------0-3-|B|-------------0-3-------|G|-------0-2-3-----------|D|-0-2-3-----------------|A|-0-1-3-----------------|E|-----------------------|

Closed Position

Closed position fingering patterns, also known as "box patterns," are particularly useful for more advanced players, as they allow you to play the A minor blues scale across the entire fretboard. One of the most common closed position patterns for the A minor blues scale guitar starts at the 5th fret of the low E string and looks like this:

E|---------------------5-8|B|-----------------5-8-----|G|-----------5-7-8---------|D|-------5-7---------------|A|---5-6-7-----------------|E|-5-8---------------------|

Using a Capo

If you want to play the A minor blues scale in different keys, using a capo can be a helpful tool. Simply place the capo on the desired fret and use the same open position fingering pattern from earlier. For example, if you place the capo on the 2nd fret, you'll be playing the B minor blues scale using the open position A minor blues scale guitar fingering.

Practice Techniques

Once you've become familiar with the fingering patterns for the A minor blues scale on the guitar, it's time to start practicing. Here are some effective techniques to help you improve your playing and eventually master the A minor blues scale guitar.

Slow and Steady

It's important to start practicing the scale slowly and steadily. Take your time to ensure that each note is clean and accurate. As you become more comfortable with the scale, gradually increase your speed. Remember, it's better to play the scale slowly and accurately than to play it quickly and make mistakes.

Metronome Practice

Using a metronome is an excellent way to improve your timing and develop a solid sense of rhythm. Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo, and play the A minor blues scale guitar pattern in time with the metronome. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. This will help you build speed and accuracy in your playing.

Jamming Along

One of the best ways to practice the A minor blues scale is to play along with backing tracks or other musicians. This not only helps you develop your sense of timing and rhythm but also allows you to experiment with different licks and phrases using the scale. Plus, it's a fun way to apply what you've learned in a musical context!

Popular Songs Featuring the A Minor Blues Scale

Now that you have some practice techniques under your belt, let's explore some popular songs that feature the A minor blues scale guitar. These songs will give you a better understanding of how the scale can be used in different musical contexts and inspire you to create your own licks and solos using the A minor blues scale.

Black Magic Woman - Santana

Carlos Santana's rendition of "Black Magic Woman" is a great example of the A minor blues scale in action. Throughout the song, Santana uses the scale to create memorable licks and solos that perfectly complement the song's vibe. Listen closely to the guitar parts in this song and try to incorporate some of Santana's techniques into your own playing.

Crossroads - Cream

Eric Clapton's playing on Cream's version of "Crossroads" showcases the versatility of the A minor blues scale. Clapton uses the scale to create powerful, expressive solos that have become synonymous with the song. By studying his playing, you can gain a deeper understanding of how to use the A minor blues scale guitar to create your own unique solos.

Red House - Jimi Hendrix

"Red House" by Jimi Hendrix is a classic blues song that heavily features the A minor blues scale. Hendrix's signature style and innovative techniques shine through in this song, making it an excellent example of how the scale can be used in blues music. Analyze Hendrix's use of the A minor blues scale and try to incorporate his approaches into your own solos and improvisations.

Improvisation Tips

Improvisation is an essential skill for any guitarist, especially when playing with the A minor blues scale. To help you get started on your improvisation journey, here are some tips that will enable you to add depth and personality to your solos using the A minor blues scale guitar.

Know Your Fretboard

The first step to effective improvisation is to know your fretboard inside and out. Familiarize yourself with the different positions and patterns of the A minor blues scale across the entire fretboard. This will allow you to freely move around and create interesting melodic lines without getting lost or stuck in one position.

Phrasing and Dynamics

Good phrasing and dynamics can make all the difference in your solos. Try to think of your solo as a conversation—each phrase should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use dynamics to add variety and emotion to your playing. For example, you can play some notes louder or softer, or add slides, bends, and vibrato to give your solo more character.

Finding Your Own Voice

Ultimately, the goal of improvisation is to find your own unique voice on the guitar. While it's great to learn from and emulate the styles of famous guitarists, you should also strive to develop your own sound. Experiment with different techniques, rhythms, and phrasings to see what resonates with you. The more you practice and explore the A minor blues scale guitar, the closer you'll get to discovering your own unique voice.

If you're looking to improve your skills and go from good to great in your creative journey, don't miss the workshop 'How to Get Better at What You Do - Go from Good to Great!' by Debbie Knox-Hewson. This workshop offers valuable tips and insights on how to level up your talents and reach your full potential.