B minor bebop scale diatonic chords
B minor bebop scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
B minor bebop scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized B minor bebop scale generates a melodic minor chord family enhanced with a chromatic passing chord for bebop-style comping. The chords from B minor bebop are B minor, C# diminished, D major, E diminished, F# unknown, G diminished, B minor seventh, A# diminished. The added chord ensures that tension and resolution align perfectly with the rhythmic grid. These harmonies are essential for sophisticated minor-key jazz writing where timing and voice leading must be precise. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Contemporary. Notable players include Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield.
The B minor bebop scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 7.
Intervals: W-H-W-W-H-W-H-H.
Diatonic chords: B minor, C# diminished, D major, E diminished, F# unknown, G diminished, B minor seventh, A# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | B minor |
| ii | C# diminished |
| iii | D major |
| IV | E diminished |
| V | F# unknown |
| vi | G diminished |
| vii° | B minor seventh |
| 8 | A# diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (B minor) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (C# diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (D major) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (E diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (F# unknown) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (G diminished) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (B minor seventh) 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 B minor 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 B minor bebop scale on guitar.
minor bebop is the Melodic minor with added chromatic passing tone. View B Melodic minor scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over mMaj7, m6 chords. Connects melodic minor theory with bebop rhythm for advanced jazz improvisation.