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