A bebop scale diatonic chords
A bebop scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
A bebop scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized A bebop scale produces an eight-chord set that adds a chromatic passing chord to the standard Mixolydian family, ensuring strong chord tones land on strong beats. The chords from A bebop are A major, B minor, C# diminished, D unknown, E unknown, G# minor seventh, A unknown, G# diminished. This chromatic addition is the secret to smooth bebop comping. The extra chord allows for constant eighth-note harmonic rhythm while maintaining clear functional harmony — essential for swing and bebop accompaniment. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Swing, Hard Bop. Notable players include Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson.
The A bebop scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7 7.
Intervals: W-W-H-W-W-H-H-H.
Diatonic chords: A major, B minor, C# diminished, D unknown, E unknown, G# minor seventh, A unknown, G# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | A major |
| ii | B minor |
| iii | C# diminished |
| IV | D unknown |
| V | E unknown |
| vi | G# minor seventh |
| vii° | A unknown |
| 8 | G# diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (A major) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (B minor) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (C# diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (D unknown) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (E unknown) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (G# minor seventh) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (A unknown) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A bebop scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A bebop scale on guitar.
bebop is the Mixolydian with added chromatic passing tone (natural 7th). View A Mixolydian scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over dominant 7th chords. The added passing tone ensures that the root, 3rd, 5th, and b7 fall on downbeats during eighth-note runs — the 'trick' that makes bebop sound professional.