Explore scales · Guitar
D bebop dominant scale on guitar
D bebop dominant contains D, E, F♯, G, A, B, B♯, C♯. Box 2 puts the root on string 5, fret 5 for a mid-neck dominant shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the D bebop dominant scale on guitar?
D bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 17 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 D string at fret 0 and the B string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, B♯ |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 19 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 A string at fret 5 and the B string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 5 (A) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, B♯ |
| 2 (B) | 2, 3, 5 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 16 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to B♯ on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, B♯ |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 6, 7 | B♯, C♯, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 7, 8 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, B♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
D bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 19 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 low E string at fret 10, the G string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8, 9, 10 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, B♯ |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 2 (B) | 7, 8, 10 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8, 9, 10 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
D bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 14 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the low E string at fret 10, the D string at fret 12 and the high e string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 5 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 11, 12 | B♯, C♯, D |
| 3 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, B♯ |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
Start with D major and insert a chromatic ♯6 between B and C♯. The resulting eight-note scale lets you play continuous eighth notes with chord tones on downbeats. Compare it with D major to hear the added note.
When to use it
Use it over D7, D9, or D13 in jazz, blues, and country. It also works over the V chord in G major. Try it with D major or A major.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 2 first. Its root on string 5, fret 5 gives easy access to the upper register for bebop lines.
Common questions
What is the ♯6 in D bebop dominant?
The ♯6 is B♯, placed between B and C♯. It creates a chromatic passing tone that smooths the line. This note is the only difference from D major.
Which chords work with D bebop dominant?
Use it over dominant chords like D7, D9, and D13. It also works over the V chord in G major. The scale adds tension that resolves to the tonic.
Can I play D bebop dominant over a minor chord?
No, the major third F♯ clashes with minor chords. Stick to dominant or major chords with a flat seventh. For minor sounds, use a different scale.