Explore scales · Ukulele
A bebop minor scale on ukulele
A bebop minor contains A, B, C, C♯, D, E, F♯, and G. Box 1 puts the root at string 4, fret 2 for a compact four-string grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the A bebop minor scale on ukulele?
A bebop minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 2 | C, C♯, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A bebop minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | B, C, C♯, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
A bebop minor in box 3 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, 5, 6, 7 | B, C, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
A bebop minor in box 4 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, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 9 | B, C, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A bebop minor in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 12 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, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A bebop minor adds the major 3rd C♯ to A dorian, which supplies A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G. The scale keeps the dorian minor 7th G and major 6th F♯, so the added C♯ sits between ♭3 and 4. The internal interval C to F♯ is a diminished 5th, giving the scale a tritone. Compare with A dorian to hear the added passing tone.
When to use it
A bebop minor fits A minor and A major chords, where the added C♯ passes between C and D. Use it over A minor or A major in jazz-blues and swing lines. The scale also works over D major and E minor progressions in C major.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first; its root at string 4, fret 2 keeps the hand low and sets up the Box 2 shift to string 2, fret 5.
Common questions
What notes are in A bebop minor?
A bebop minor contains A, B, C, C♯, D, E, F♯, and G. The added C♯ is the major 3rd passing tone. The scale has eight notes, one more than a seven-note dorian scale.
Which chords fit A bebop minor?
A bebop minor fits A minor and A major chords. The added C♯ passes between C and D over either chord. Use it with A minor or A major.
Does A bebop minor have a tritone?
A bebop minor has a tritone between C and F♯. That interval is a diminished 5th. The scale contains one tritone.