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C bebop dominant scale on bass guitar
C bebop dominant uses C, D, E, F, G, A, A♯, B. The added A♯ between A and B creates a chromatic passing tone.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the C bebop dominant scale on bass?
C bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 13 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 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | A, A♯, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, A♯ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4, 5 | A♯, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 12 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 8 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6, 7, 8 | A, A♯, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, A♯ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 8–10
C bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 3 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9, 10 | A♯, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
C bebop dominant adds a passing A♯ to the C 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 C major to see the added note between A and B.
When to use it
Use over C7 chords in jazz and blues progressions. It fits funk lines that need chromatic passing tones. Try it with C major or C 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. The root sits on string 3, fret 3 and covers frets 0–3 for a compact position.
Common questions
What is the difference between C bebop dominant and C major?
C bebop dominant adds an A♯ passing tone between A and B. This creates eight notes instead of seven. The extra note allows chord tones to fall on strong beats.
Which chords can I play C bebop dominant over?
Use it over C7, C9, or C13 chords. It also works over C major triads in blues contexts. The scale adds chromatic color to dominant harmony.
How do I practice C 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.