Explore scales · Ukulele
A bebop major scale on ukulele
A bebop major scale is A, B, C♯, D, E, F, F♯, G♯. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 2 and string 2, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the A bebop major scale on ukulele?
A bebop major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | F, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A bebop major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 6 | E, F, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
A bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 9 | E, F, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 11 | E, F, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A bebop major adds a ♭6 to A major, creating an eight-note scale with a passing tone between the 5th and 6th. The added F is an augmented 5th from A, while F♯ remains the major 6th. This scale contains a tritone and a leading tone.
When to use it
Use A bebop major over A major and A 5th chords. The ♭6 works as a passing tone over F diminished and F♯ minor. It fits A major progressions and bebop lines in A.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; it keeps the root on string 4, fret 2 and string 2, fret 5. This position covers frets 1–4 and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in A bebop major?
A bebop major contains A, B, C♯, D, E, F, F♯, and G♯. The scale adds a ♭6 to A major. The ♭6 is a passing tone between the 5th and 6th.
Which chords fit A bebop major?
A bebop major fits A major and A 5th chords. The ♭6 works over F diminished and F♯ minor. Use it over A major progressions.
How does A bebop major differ from A major?
A bebop major adds an F between E and F♯. This creates a chromatic run from the 5th to the 6th. The added note is a passing tone.