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E bebop dominant scale on bass guitar
E bebop dominant uses E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, C♯♯, D♯. The added C♯♯ between C♯ and D♯ creates a chromatic passing tone.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the E bebop dominant scale on bass?
E bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 2, 9 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 E string at fret 0 and the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 1, 2 | C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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 D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 13 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to C♯♯ on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 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 A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8, 9 | C♯♯, D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 12 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 12 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 11, 12 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
E bebop dominant in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 13 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 E string at fret 12 and the D string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 14 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12, 13, 14 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
E bebop dominant adds a passing C♯♯ to the E 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 E major to see the added note between C♯ and D♯.
When to use it
Use over E7 chords in jazz and blues progressions. It fits funk lines that need chromatic passing tones. Try it with E major or E 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. The root sits on string 2, fret 2 and covers frets 0–2 for a compact position.
Common questions
What is the difference between E bebop dominant and E major?
E bebop dominant adds a C♯♯ passing tone between C♯ and D♯. This creates eight notes instead of seven. The extra note allows chord tones to fall on strong beats.
Which chords can I play E bebop dominant over?
Use it over E7, E9, or E13 chords. It also works over E major triads in blues contexts. The scale adds chromatic color to dominant harmony.
How do I practice E 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.