Explore scales · Ukulele
G bebop major scale on ukulele
G bebop major scale is G, A, B, C, D, E♭, E, F♯. Box 1 places the root on string 2, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 6, 7
How do you play the G bebop major scale on ukulele?
G bebop major 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 G string at fret 0 and the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
G bebop major 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 E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 4 | D, E♭, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
G bebop major 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 C string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 7 | D, E♭, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G bebop major in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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 C string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 9 | D, E♭, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
G bebop major 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 G string at fret 12 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11, 12 | D, E♭, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G bebop major adds a ♭6 to G major, creating an eight-note scale with a passing tone between the 5th and 6th. The added E♭ is an augmented 5th from G, while E remains the major 6th. This scale contains a tritone and a leading tone.
When to use it
Use G bebop major over G major and G 5th chords. The ♭6 works as a passing tone over E♭ diminished and E minor. It fits G major progressions and bebop lines in G.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; it keeps the root on string 2, fret 3. This position covers frets 0–3 and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in G bebop major?
G bebop major contains G, A, B, C, D, E♭, E, and F♯. The scale adds a ♭6 to G major. The ♭6 is a passing tone between the 5th and 6th.
Which chords fit G bebop major?
G bebop major fits G major and G 5th chords. The ♭6 works over E♭ diminished and E minor. Use it over G major progressions.
What is the relative minor of G bebop major?
The relative minor of G bebop major is E minor. The scale shares the same key signature as G major. The added ♭6 does not change the relative minor.