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C bebop major scale on guitar
C bebop major includes C, D, E, F, G, A♭, A, B. The added A♭ creates a smooth chromatic line from G to A.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the C bebop major scale on guitar?
C bebop major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 18 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, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 0, 1, 2 | 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 major 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 5. 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, 4, 5 | G, A♭, A |
| 5 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 4 (D) | 3, 5, 6 | F, G, A♭ |
| 3 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5, 6 | D, E, F |
| 1 (e) | 3, 4, 5 | G, A♭, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 17 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, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 4 (D) | 5, 6, 7 | G, A♭, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6, 8 | E, F, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C bebop major 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, 11 | F, G, A♭ |
| 4 (D) | 9, 10 | B, C |
| 3 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 2 (B) | 8, 9, 10 | G, A♭, A |
| 1 (e) | 8, 10 | C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C bebop major 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, 11, 12 | G, A♭, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 10, 12, 13 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
Add A♭ to C major (C–D–E–F–G–A–B) between G and A. This ♭6 passing tone makes the scale eight notes long and keeps chord tones on strong beats. See C major for the parent scale.
When to use it
Works over C major and C7 chords in swing, bebop, and blues. The A♭ adds a bluesy inflection to the major scale. Use it on C major or C 5th vamps.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 with the root on string 5, fret 3, ideal for open-position lines.
Common questions
What is the formula for C bebop major?
The formula is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7. In C, that gives C, D, E, F, G, A♭, A, B. The A♭ is the added note.
Which chords can I play C bebop major over?
C major and C7 chords are the primary choices. The scale also fits C6 and C9 chords. The A♭ acts as a chromatic passing tone.
How does C bebop major differ from C major?
C bebop major has an extra A♭ note. C major has seven notes; bebop major has eight. The extra note makes lines fall on chord tones.