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C bebop major scale on bass guitar
C bebop major contains C, D, E, F, G, A♭, A, and B. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 3 for a central-position run.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the C bebop major scale on bass?
C bebop major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 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 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 1, 2 | G, A♭, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C bebop major 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, 4, 5 | G, A♭, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5, 6 | F, G, A♭ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 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, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 6, 7 | G, A♭, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 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, 11 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 10 | B, C |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C bebop major in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the G string at fret 13. 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, 11, 12 | G, A♭, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12, 13 | F, G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
C bebop major adds A♭, the ♭6, to C major's seven notes. The added ♭6 creates a chromatic step between A and B, smoothing ascending lines. C major supplies the parent scale; the bebop variant keeps its major 3rd and major 7th.
When to use it
C bebop major fits C major and C 5th chords. Use it over C 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 C bebop major?
C bebop major contains C, D, E, F, G, A♭, A, and B. The added A♭ is the ♭6. This creates an eight-note scale.
Which chords does C bebop major fit?
C bebop major fits C major and C 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 C bebop major?
The ♭6, A♭, sits between the 5th and 6th. It creates a chromatic passing tone into A or B. This smooths ascending lines in jazz and swing.