Explore scales · Guitar
F bebop dominant scale on guitar
F bebop dominant contains F, G, A, B♭, C, D, D♯, E. Box 1 puts the root on string 6, fret 1 for an open-position dominant shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the F bebop dominant scale on guitar?
F bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 14 notes across 6 strings, from F on the low E string at fret 1 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the low E string at fret 1, the D string at fret 3 and the high e string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 5 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
| 4 (D) | 1, 2, 3 | D♯, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (B) | 1, 3, 4 | C, D, D♯ |
| 1 (e) | 1, 3 | F, G |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 17 notes across 6 strings, from G on the low E string at fret 3 up to B♭ on the high e string at fret 6. The root falls on the D string at fret 3 and the B string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 5 (A) | 3, 5, 6 | C, D, D♯ |
| 4 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 3 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 4, 5, 6 | D, D♯, E, F |
| 1 (e) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F 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 A string at fret 8 and the B string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 5 (A) | 5, 6, 7, 8 | D, D♯, E, F |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, D♯ |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6, 8 | E, F, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 16 notes across 6 strings, from C on the low E string at fret 8 up to D♯ on the high e string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 8 and the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, D♯ |
| 5 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 4 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 3 (G) | 8, 9, 10 | D♯, E, F |
| 2 (B) | 8, 10, 11 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (e) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, D♯ |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
F bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 19 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 low E string at fret 13, the G string at fret 10 and the high e string at fret 13.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 11, 12, 13 | D, D♯, E, F |
| 5 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, B♭ |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, D♯ |
| 3 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 11, 13 | A, B♭, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 11, 12, 13 | D, D♯, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
Start with F major and insert a chromatic ♯6 between D and E. The resulting eight-note scale lets you play continuous eighth notes with chord tones on downbeats. Compare it with F major to hear the added note.
When to use it
Use it over F7, F9, or F13 in jazz, blues, and funk. It also works over the V chord in B♭ major. Try it with F major or C major.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. Its root on string 6, fret 1 keeps the scale in a comfortable low position for dominant lines.
Common questions
What is the ♯6 in F bebop dominant?
The ♯6 is D♯, placed between D and E. It creates a chromatic passing tone that smooths the line. This note is the only difference from F major.
Which chords fit F bebop dominant?
Use it over dominant chords like F7, F9, and F13. It also works over the V chord in B♭ major. The scale adds tension that resolves to the tonic.
Can I use F bebop dominant over a blues in F?
Yes, it works over the F7 chord in a blues. The added ♯6 gives you a smooth chromatic line between the sixth and seventh. It sounds more jazzy than the blues scale.