scale
Fretboard diagram
C# minor bebop scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized C# minor bebop scale generates a melodic minor chord family enhanced with a chromatic passing chord for bebop-style comping. The chords from C# minor bebop are C# minor, D# diminished, E major, F# diminished, G# (1-♭3-4), A diminished, C# minor seventh, C 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 C# 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: C# minor, D# diminished, E major, F# diminished, G# (1-♭3-4), A diminished, C# minor seventh, C diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C# minor |
| ii | D# diminished |
| iii | E major |
| IV | F# diminished |
| V | G# (1-♭3-4) |
| vi | A diminished |
| vii° | C# minor seventh |
| 8 | C diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (C# minor) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (D# diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (E major) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (F# diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (G# (1-♭3-4)) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (A diminished) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (C# 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 C# 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 C# minor bebop scale on guitar.
minor bebop is the Melodic minor with added chromatic passing tone. View C# 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.