Explore scales · Guitar
E bebop dominant scale on guitar
E bebop dominant includes E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, C♯♯, D♯. Box 4 puts the root on string 6, fret 12 for a high dominant shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the E bebop dominant scale on guitar?
E bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 14 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 low E string at fret 0, the D string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 4 (D) | 0, 1, 2 | C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 2, 3 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E bebop dominant 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 D string at fret 2 and the B 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♯, C♯♯ |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 2 (B) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 19 notes across 6 strings, from G♯ on the low E string at fret 4 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 5 (A) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 4 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 2 (B) | 4, 5, 7 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 16 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to C♯♯ on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 5 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 3 (G) | 7, 8, 9 | C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (B) | 7, 9, 10 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 19 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 low E string at fret 12, the G string at fret 9 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 10, 11, 12 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 5 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 3 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10, 12 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (e) | 9, 10, 11, 12 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
E bebop dominant in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 18 notes across 6 strings, from D♯ on the low E string at fret 11 up to F♯ on the high e string at fret 14. The root falls on the low E string at fret 12, the D string at fret 14 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12, 14 | G♯, A, B |
| 4 (D) | 11, 12, 13, 14 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 12, 14 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (e) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Insert a chromatic ♯6 between C♯ and D♯ in E major. The eight-note scale lets you play continuous eighth notes with chord tones on downbeats. Compare it with E major to hear the added note.
When to use it
Use it over E7, E9, or E13 in jazz, blues, and rock. It also works over the V chord in A major. Try it with E major or B major.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 4 first. Its root on string 6, fret 12 gives you a high position for fast dominant runs.
Common questions
What is the ♯6 in E bebop dominant?
The ♯6 is C♯♯, placed between C♯ and D♯. It creates a chromatic passing tone that smooths the line. This note is the only difference from E major.
Which chords work with E bebop dominant?
Use it over dominant chords like E7, E9, and E13. It also works over the V chord in A major. The scale adds tension that resolves to the tonic.
Can I play E bebop dominant over a minor chord?
No, the major third G♯ clashes with minor chords. Stick to dominant or major chords with a flat seventh. For minor sounds, use a different scale.