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G bebop dominant scale on bass guitar
G bebop dominant uses G, A, B, C, D, E, E♯, F♯. The added E♯ between E and F♯ creates a chromatic passing tone.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the G bebop dominant scale on bass?
G bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 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 3 and the G string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | E, E♯, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, E♯ |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
G bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 3 and the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 4, 5 | E♯, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G 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 D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, E♯ |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 13 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E♯ on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 9, 10 | E, E♯, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, E♯ |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
G bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 10 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 A string at fret 10 and the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, E♯ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11, 12 | E♯, F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
G bebop dominant adds a passing E♯ to the G 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 G major to see the added note between E and F♯.
When to use it
Use over G7 chords in dominant progressions. It fits jazz, blues, and funk bass lines. The chromatic passing tone works well on beats 2 and 4. Try it with G major or G 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. It keeps the root on string 4, fret 3 and covers frets 0–3 for easy access.
Common questions
What is the difference between G bebop dominant and G major?
G bebop dominant adds an E♯ passing tone between E and F♯. This creates eight notes instead of seven. The extra note allows chord tones to fall on strong beats.
Which chords can I play G bebop dominant over?
Use it over G7, G9, or G13 chords. It also works over G major triads in blues contexts. The scale adds chromatic color to dominant harmony.
How do I practice G 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.