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