Explore scales · Bass
A bebop dominant scale on bass guitar
A bebop dominant uses A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, F♯♯, G♯. The added F♯♯ between F♯ and G♯ creates smooth chromatic motion in bass lines.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the A bebop dominant scale on bass?
A bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 1, 2 | F♯♯, G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | F♯, F♯♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 5–7
A bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 7, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 6, 7 | F♯♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 13 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯♯ on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10, 11, 12 | F♯, F♯♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, F♯♯ |
Why it sounds like that
A bebop dominant adds a passing F♯♯ to the A major scale. This creates an eight-note scale with a chromatic step between the sixth and seventh degrees. The passing tone lets chord tones land on strong beats. Compare it with A major to see the added note between F♯ and G♯.
When to use it
Use over A7 chords in dominant progressions. It fits blues, jazz, and funk bass lines. The chromatic passing tone works well on beats 2 and 4. Try it with A major or A 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. It keeps the root on string 4, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3 for easy access.
Common questions
What is the difference between A bebop dominant and A major?
A bebop dominant adds an F♯♯ passing tone between F♯ and G♯. This creates eight notes instead of seven. The extra note allows chord tones to fall on strong beats.
Which chords can I play A bebop dominant over?
Use it over A7, A9, or A13 chords. It also works over A major triads in blues contexts. The scale adds chromatic color to dominant harmony.
How do I practice A bebop dominant on bass?
Start with Box 1 and play ascending and descending. Use a metronome and accent the chord tones. Then move to other boxes.