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