EXAMPLE13 applying the blues scale to ii-v-i progressions

Believe it or not, the Blues scale can sound fantastic when ‘forced’ over ii-v-i progressions. Obviously it’s not going to sound cool if you don’t know what you’re doing, but mix in a few choice chord tones and your ii-v-i licks will enter a new dimension. While you cannot play ‘proper’ jazz using the Blues scale alone, it will add jazziness to your blues licks. remember to avoid fingerpicking octaves but use downstrokes with pick or thumb for best results.