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