Explore scales · Bass
E bebop major scale on bass guitar
E bebop major contains E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C, C♯, and D♯. Box 1 places the root on string 2, fret 2 for a low-position run.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the E bebop major scale on bass?
E bebop major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 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, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E bebop major in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. 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, 3, 4 | B, C, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 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 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5, 6 | B, C, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E bebop major 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, 8, 9 | B, C, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E bebop major in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 10, 11 | B, C, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
E bebop major in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 12 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, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
E bebop major adds C, the ♭6, to E major's seven notes. The added ♭6 creates a chromatic step between C♯ and D♯, smoothing ascending lines. E major supplies the parent scale; the bebop variant keeps its major 3rd and major 7th.
When to use it
E bebop major fits E major and E 5th chords. Use it over E 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 E bebop major?
E bebop major contains E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C, C♯, and D♯. The added C is the ♭6. This creates an eight-note scale.
Which chords does E bebop major fit?
E bebop major fits E major and E 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 E bebop major?
The ♭6, C, sits between the 5th and 6th. It creates a chromatic passing tone into C♯ or D♯. This smooths ascending lines in jazz and swing.