Explore scales · Bass
A bebop major scale on bass guitar
A bebop major contains A, B, C♯, D, E, F, F♯, and G♯. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 for a compact two-octave run.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the A bebop major scale on bass?
A bebop major 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, 1, 2 | E, F, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A bebop major in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 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, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3, 4 | E, F, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 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, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. 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, 8, 9 | E, F, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A bebop major in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 12 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. 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, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10, 11 | E, F, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
A bebop major adds F, the ♭6, to A major's seven notes. The added ♭6 creates a chromatic step between F♯ and G♯, smoothing ascending lines. A major supplies the parent scale; the bebop variant keeps its major 3rd and major 7th.
When to use it
A bebop major fits A major and A 5th chords. Use it over A major progressions in jazz and swing. The ♭6 works as a passing tone to the 6th or 7th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root under your first finger and covers frets 0–3 for quick two-octave runs.
Common questions
What notes are in A bebop major?
A bebop major contains A, B, C♯, D, E, F, F♯, and G♯. The added F is the ♭6. This creates an eight-note scale.
Which chords does A bebop major fit?
A bebop major fits A major and A 5th chords. The ♭6 is a passing tone, not a chord tone. Use it on dominant or major seventh chords.
How does the ♭6 function in A bebop major?
The ♭6, F, sits between the 5th and 6th. It creates a chromatic passing tone into F♯ or G♯. This smooths ascending lines in jazz and swing.