Explore scales · Ukulele
C bebop major scale on ukulele
C bebop major scale is C, D, E, F, G, A♭, A, B. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the C bebop major scale on ukulele?
C bebop major 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 C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 2 | G, A♭, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C bebop major 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 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4, 5 | G, A♭, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 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 G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | A♭, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 9 | G, A♭, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
C bebop major in box 5 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 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11, 12 | G, A♭, A |
Why it sounds like that
C bebop major adds a ♭6 to C major, creating an eight-note scale with a passing tone between the 5th and 6th. The added A♭ is an augmented 5th from C, while A remains the major 6th. This scale contains a tritone and a leading tone.
When to use it
Use C bebop major over C major and C 5th chords. The ♭6 works as a passing tone over A♭ diminished and A minor. It fits C major progressions and bebop lines in C.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; it keeps the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3. This position covers frets 0–3 and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in C bebop major?
C bebop major contains C, D, E, F, G, A♭, A, and B. The scale adds a ♭6 to C major. The ♭6 is a passing tone between the 5th and 6th.
Which chords fit C bebop major?
C bebop major fits C major and C 5th chords. The ♭6 works over A♭ diminished and A minor. Use it over C major progressions.
Why is there an A♭ in C bebop major?
The A♭ is the ♭6, added as a passing tone between G and A. It creates a chromatic line from the 5th to the 6th. This is characteristic of bebop scales.