Explore scales · Ukulele
B bebop major scale on ukulele
B bebop major scale is B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G, G♯, A♯. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 4 and string 1, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the B bebop major scale on ukulele?
B bebop major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 12 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 4 and the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4 | F♯, G, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B bebop major in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4, 6 | G, G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
B bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 12 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 E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 8 | F♯, G, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
B bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 11 | F♯, G, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B bebop major adds a ♭6 to B major, creating an eight-note scale with a passing tone between the 5th and 6th. The added G is an augmented 5th from B, while G♯ remains the major 6th. This scale contains a tritone and a leading tone.
When to use it
Use B bebop major over B major and B 5th chords. The ♭6 works as a passing tone over G diminished and G♯ minor. It fits B major progressions and bebop lines in B.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; it keeps the root on string 4, fret 4 and string 1, fret 2. This position covers frets 1–4 and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in B bebop major?
B bebop major contains B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G, G♯, and A♯. The scale adds a ♭6 to B major. The ♭6 is a passing tone between the 5th and 6th.
Which chords fit B bebop major?
B bebop major fits B major and B 5th chords. The ♭6 works over G diminished and G♯ minor. Use it over B major progressions.
What is the key signature of B bebop major?
B bebop major uses the key signature of B major, which has five sharps. The added ♭6 is an accidental. The scale is not a key signature itself.