Explore scales · Guitar
A bebop major scale on guitar
A bebop major contains A, B, C♯, D, E, F, F♯, G♯. The added F creates a chromatic run between E and F♯.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the A bebop major scale on guitar?
A bebop major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 16 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to F♯ on the high e string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 1, 2 | E, F, F♯ |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 2, 3 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1, 2 | E, F, F♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A bebop major in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 17 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the G string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 5 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 4 (D) | 2, 3, 4 | E, F, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 2 (B) | 2, 3, 5 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 14 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the D string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6, 7 | E, F, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7 | A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 17 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 8, 9 | E, F, F♯ |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 2 (B) | 7, 9, 10 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A bebop major in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 18 notes across 6 strings, from C♯ on the low E string at fret 9 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 5 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (G) | 9, 10, 11 | E, F, F♯ |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10, 12 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (e) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
Why it sounds like that
Start with A major (A–B–C♯–D–E–F♯–G♯) and insert F as the ♭6 between the fifth and sixth degrees. This passing tone makes the scale eight notes long and keeps chord tones on downbeats. Compare with A major to hear the added note.
When to use it
Use it over A major or A7 chords in swing and bebop. The added F creates a bluesy color against the major third. Try it on A major or A 5th progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 6, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3 for low-position lines.
Common questions
What notes are in A bebop major?
A, B, C♯, D, E, F, F♯, G♯. The scale adds F as a passing tone between E and F♯. This creates the characteristic bebop sound.
Which chords fit A bebop major?
A major and A7 chords fit best. The added F works as a chromatic approach to F♯. It also colors the dominant seventh sound.
How does A bebop major differ from A major?
A bebop major has an extra F note. A major has seven notes; bebop major has eight. The extra note makes lines fall on chord tones.