1. Subjects >
  2. Music >
  3. Key stage 2 >
  4. Year 5 >
  5. Blues >
  6. Lesson 4: Blues scale

Learning objective

  • To be able to play the blues scale on a tuned instrument.

Success criteria

  • I can play the blues scale going up.
  • I
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National curriculum

Music

Pupils should be taught to:

  • Use
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Cross-curricular links

None.

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

Recap and recall

Display the Presentation: 3, 2, 1 and use it to recap learning from the previous lessons.

Learning objective

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Extended-mode explainer videos

How to extend your display to view the lesson page and presentation mode simultaneously. Choose your operating system below to watch the video

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please contact [email protected].

Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac

Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows

Adaptive teaching

Pupils needing extra support

Could add coloured sticky dots to the notes of the blues scale that need to be played.

Pupils working at greater depth

Should play the blues scale ascending and then straight back down after.

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Assessing progress and understanding

Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: playing the notes of the blues

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Vocabulary definitions

  • ascending scale

    A scale played from the note of the lowest pitch to the highest.

  • bent note

    A note played with a changing pitch throughout, usually on a guitar or saxophone.

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In this unit

Assessment - Music Y5: Blues

Lesson 1: History of the blues

Lesson 2: Playing a chord

Lesson 3: The 12-bar blues

Lesson 4: Blues scale

Lesson 5: Improvisation and the blues

Originally created by:

Laura Barr

Music specialist

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In her 14 year teaching career, Laura assumed the role of Music Lead, and was Head of Music in a large secondary school. Laura has a passion for working with children with a disadvantaged background, either through deprivation or disability, and now works…
Find out more
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Maintained by: Kapow Primary team

Last update: 12th October, 2025

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Lesson 3: The 12-bar blues Previous Lesson
Lesson 5: Improvisation and the blues Next Lesson

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