Explore scales · Bass
B bebop dominant scale on bass guitar
B bebop dominant uses B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, G♯♯, A♯. The added G♯♯ between G♯ and A♯ creates a chromatic passing tone.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the B bebop dominant scale on bass?
B 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 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 1, 2 | G♯♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, G♯♯, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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 A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, G♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3, 4 | G♯♯, A♯, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
B bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | G♯, G♯♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, G♯♯ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–9
B bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 9, 9 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 E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 8, 9 | G♯♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
B bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, G♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
B bebop dominant in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 13 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to G♯♯ on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the A string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 13, 14 | G♯, G♯♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, G♯♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B bebop dominant adds a passing G♯♯ to the B major scale. The extra note creates a chromatic step between the sixth and seventh degrees. This eight-note scale keeps chord tones on downbeats. Compare it with B major to see the added note between G♯ and A♯.
When to use it
Use over B7 chords in dominant progressions. It fits jazz, blues, and funk bass lines. The chromatic passing tone works well on beats 2 and 4. Try it with B major or B 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. It keeps the root on string 3, fret 2 and covers frets 0–3 for easy access.
Common questions
What is the difference between B bebop dominant and B major?
B bebop dominant adds a G♯♯ passing tone between G♯ and A♯. This creates eight notes instead of seven. The extra note allows chord tones to fall on strong beats.
Which chords can I play B bebop dominant over?
Use it over B7, B9, or B13 chords. It also works over B major triads in blues contexts. The scale adds chromatic color to dominant harmony.
How do I practice B 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.