Bebop scales for improvisation
Bebop scales are 8‑note scales that add a passing tone so chord tones land on downbeats in eighth‑note lines. They are essential for jazz phrasing.
The main bebop scales
- Bebop dominant – Mixolydian plus a major 7 passing tone. Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 7. Use over V7 chords. Open in C
- Bebop major – Major scale plus a b6 passing tone. Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 6 7. Use over Imaj7 or IVmaj7. Open in C
- Bebop minor – Natural minor plus a major 7 passing tone. Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 7. Use over minor chords in minor keys. Open in A
- Bebop dorian – Dorian plus a major 3 passing tone. Formula: 1 2 b3 3 4 5 6 b7. Use over ii7 or minor swing progressions. Open in D
- Bebop melodic minor – Jazz melodic minor plus a b6 passing tone. Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 6 7. Use over tonic minor‑maj7 or altered dominants depending on context. Open in C
How to practice
- Play the scale in eighth notes so chord tones hit beats 1–3.
- Outline arpeggios inside the scale (1‑3‑5‑7) and connect them with passing tones.
- Apply to ii‑V‑I: bebop dorian on ii7, bebop dominant on V7, bebop major on Imaj7.