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D bebop dominant scale on bass guitar
D bebop dominant uses D, E, F♯, G, A, B, B♯, C♯. The added B♯ between B and C♯ creates a chromatic passing tone.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the D bebop dominant scale on bass?
D 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 2. The root falls on the D string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, B♯ |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 13 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B♯ on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, B♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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 A string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, B♯ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6, 7 | B♯, C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
D bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 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 10 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 9, 10 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, B♯ |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
D bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 9 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 E string at fret 10 and the D string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 11, 12 | B♯, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
D bebop dominant adds a passing B♯ to the D 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 D major to see the added note between B and C♯.
When to use it
Use over D7 chords in jazz and blues progressions. It fits funk lines that need chromatic passing tones. Try it with D major or D 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. The root sits on string 3, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3 for a compact position.
Common questions
What is the difference between D bebop dominant and D major?
D bebop dominant adds a B♯ passing tone between B and C♯. This creates eight notes instead of seven. The extra note allows chord tones to fall on strong beats.
Which chords can I play D bebop dominant over?
Use it over D7, D9, or D13 chords. It also works over D major triads in blues contexts. The scale adds chromatic color to dominant harmony.
How do I practice D 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.