Bluegrass scale?

[polkat]

I'm a rather new bluegrass fiddle student with a minor understanding of music theory. My teacher (considered one of the better in my area) is now teaching me what he calls the Bluegrass Scale. The notes used are as follows:

Root-2-b3-3-5-6-b7

It is like a pentatonic scale with a flat 3rd and flat 7th added. It sounds good when played right, but I went to look for what it really is (it's true name) on the web (for printed examples) I could find nothing. Is there a true name for this scale, or is it just common to bluegrass? Thanks

[administrator]

that's the beauty of bluegrass, nothing's written in stone. sounds like something she picked up from someone else. I've played and taught bluegrass fiddle since '80 and I've never heard that one before.

[truebeginner]

I think what you maybe looking at (now correct me if I'm wrong here - I'm no expert) is the blues scale.

It's more commonly used for blues and jazz guitar.

Hope this helps,

TrueBeginner

[technique_doc]

Interesting you should bring this up.

Bluegrass music should not be confused with a Blues scale...no siree...

Bluegrass seems to use actually rather plain scales (typical of western music) BUT include some infinitely more interesting chromatic additions which give it the flavour.

Now I'm a classical player so I know little but from my theory I can ascertain that it is the chromatic adjustments that make it so unique. Lots of changes to and fro with major, then minor thirds, normal (major) and then minor sevenths. Plenty of open string harmonics (like Irish and Scottish but coupled with 'blue' notes, i.e. many are flattened compared to their normal place)

Rhythmically the semi quaver/bowing groupings are unique too and 'slidey' double stops. I love it and recommend it to all players, even if I don't fully understand it!

T_D