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