Explore scales · Ukulele
E bebop major scale on ukulele
E bebop major scale is E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C, C♯, D♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the E bebop major scale on ukulele?
E bebop major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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 E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 3 | C, C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E bebop major in box 2 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 C string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 6 | B, C, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E 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 G string at fret 9 and the A 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, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 9 | B, C, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
E 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 G string at fret 9.
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) | 8, 9, 11 | C, C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E bebop major adds a ♭6 to E major, creating an eight-note scale with a passing tone between the 5th and 6th. The added C is an augmented 5th from E, while C♯ remains the major 6th. This scale contains a tritone and a leading tone.
When to use it
Use E bebop major over E major and E 5th chords. The ♭6 works as a passing tone over C diminished and C♯ minor. It fits E major progressions and bebop lines in E.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; it keeps the root on string 3, fret 4. This position covers frets 0–3 and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in E bebop major?
E bebop major contains E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C, C♯, and D♯. The scale adds a ♭6 to E major. The ♭6 is a passing tone between the 5th and 6th.
Which chords fit E bebop major?
E bebop major fits E major and E 5th chords. The ♭6 works over C diminished and C♯ minor. Use it over E major progressions.
What is the key signature of E bebop major?
E bebop major uses the key signature of E major, which has four sharps. The added ♭6 is an accidental. The scale is not a key signature itself.