C Blues Scale
Tue, 06/19/2018 - 17:25
I'm dedicating some time to scale work, and I'm trying to think more thoroughly about the scales rather than just memorizing how to play them. So, by "blues scale," we mean R, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7, O, correct? On the "Movement Exercises: Essential Scales" document, the C Blues Scale (which is both the I chord blues scale in first position, and the IV chord blues scale in cross harp, correct?) omits the 5 and 6 holes, and in the accompanying video you say that the middle octave is void of any bluesy notes. Isn't the 5 draw the 4th and the 6 blow the 5th, both of which are degrees included in the blues scale? If improvising over the I in first or the IV in cross, should those two notes be avoided?
Hello PM42.
"So, by "blues scale," we mean R, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7, O, correct?"
You are correct.
"On the "Movement Exercises: Essential Scales" document, the C Blues Scale (which is both the I chord blues scale in first position, and the IV chord blues scale in cross harp, correct?)"
That is correct as well
"omits the 5 and 6 holes, and in the accompanying video you say that the middle octave is void of any bluesy notes."
That is also correct
"Isn't the 5 draw the 4th and the 6 blow the 5th, both of which are degrees included in the blues scale? If improvising over the I in first or the IV in cross, should those two notes be avoided?"
Note the words, "void of any bluesy notes." The bluesy, or "blue" notes, are the b3, b5, and b7. Since there are none of these blue notes, we don't play in that range. Yes, you can use the notes, but nothing cool results from their use (maybe you can come up with something!). The typical lick to move from the high end to the low end (of which you will learn in your 1st Position studies on the site) is 6+ 5 5+ 4+. There is no common lick to move from the low octave to the upper octave.
Keep working, and trying to understand, the scales... it's time well-spent.