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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 4 for a sharp-key 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 1 to fret 4, 12 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the E string at fret 1 up to A♯ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 3, 4 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3, 4 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, A, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C♯ bebop major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 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 A string at fret 4 and the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 6 | G♯, A, A♯ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C♯ bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 9 and the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 8, 9 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 6, 8, 9 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7, 8 | G♯, A, A♯ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
C♯ bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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 E string at fret 9 and the D string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 11 | B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
C♯ bebop major in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the D string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 13, 14 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 13 | G♯, A, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | 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 1–4 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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.