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 3, fret 1 and string 1, fret 4.
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 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 C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, A, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3, 4 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C♯ bebop major in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 12 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 6 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5, 6 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 6 | G♯, A, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 4, 6 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C♯ bebop major in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 6, 8 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, A♯, B♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C♯ bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 12 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 E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 10 | G♯, A, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9, 11 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
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 3, fret 1 and string 1, fret 4. This position covers frets 1–4 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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.
How is C♯ bebop major spelled?
C♯ bebop major is spelled C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A, A♯, B♯. The ♭6 is A, not G♯♯. Use C♯ spelling in sharp keys.