Explore scales · Guitar
C bebop dominant scale on guitar
C bebop dominant includes C, D, E, F, G, A, A♯, B. Box 1 puts the root on string 5, fret 3 for an open-position dominant shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the C bebop dominant scale on guitar?
C bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 19 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the B string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | A, A♯, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, A♯ |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 3 | B, C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 16 notes across 6 strings, from G on the low E string at fret 3 up to A♯ on the high e string at fret 6. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, A♯ |
| 5 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 4 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 3 (G) | 3, 4, 5 | A♯, B, C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5, 6 | D, E, F |
| 1 (e) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, A♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 19 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to C on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the low E string at fret 8, the G string at fret 5 and the high e string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 6, 7, 8 | A, A♯, B, C |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, A♯ |
| 3 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6, 8 | E, F, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 6, 7, 8 | A, A♯, B, C |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 14 notes across 6 strings, from C on the low E string at fret 8 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the low E string at fret 8, the D string at fret 10 and the high e string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 5 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 4 (D) | 8, 9, 10 | A♯, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 2 (B) | 8, 10, 11 | G, A, A♯ |
| 1 (e) | 8, 10 | C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 17 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to F on the high e string at fret 13. The root falls on the D string at fret 10 and the B string at fret 13.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 5 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, A♯ |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 11, 12, 13 | A, A♯, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
Insert a chromatic ♯6 between A and B in C major. The eight-note scale lets you play continuous eighth notes with chord tones on downbeats. Compare it with C major to hear the added note.
When to use it
Use it over C7, C9, or C13 in jazz, blues, and rock. It also works over the V chord in F major. Try it with C major or G major.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. Its root on string 5, fret 3 keeps the scale in a comfortable low position for dominant lines.
Common questions
What is the ♯6 in C bebop dominant?
The ♯6 is A♯, placed between A and B. It creates a chromatic passing tone that smooths the line. This note is the only difference from C major.
Which chords work with C bebop dominant?
Use it over dominant chords like C7, C9, and C13. It also works over the V chord in F major. The scale adds tension that resolves to the tonic.
Can I play C bebop dominant over a minor chord?
No, the major third E clashes with minor chords. Stick to dominant or major chords with a flat seventh. For minor sounds, use a different scale.