G# Bebop Major Cuatro Venezolano Scale — Standard
Cuatro Venezolano scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Bebop Major in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The G# Bebop Major scale is a classic swing tool that introduces a chromatic link between the fifth and sixth degrees. On Cuatro Venezolano, its notes are G#, A#, C, C#, D#, E, F, G. It is essential for creating the flowing, endless melodic lines characteristic of the traditional bebop era. Commonly used in Jazz, Swing, Bebop. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Kenny Burrell. Use over Maj7, Maj6 chords. Essential for the smooth, flowing lines of traditional swing and bebop over major harmony.
Notes: G#, A#, C, C#, D#, E, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 #6 7 8
Formula: W-W-H-W-H-H-W-H
Number of notes: 8
Tuning: Standard (A-D-F#-B)
About Standard Tuning
The Cuatro Venezolano is a four-string instrument tuned A-D-F#-B with a reentrant tuning — the 4th string (B) is tuned lower than the 3rd string (F#), breaking the ascending pitch order. This reentrant voicing gives the Cuatro its signature bright, harp-like strumming sound that drives the rhythm in joropo, vals venezolano, and other Venezuelan folk genres.
The Cuatro is the national instrument of Venezuela, as fundamental to Venezuelan music as the guitar is to flamenco. Its distinctive rasgueo (strumming) technique produces a rhythmic drive that is instantly recognizable. Unlike guitar, the Cuatro is primarily a rhythmic instrument — its reentrant tuning creates a compact voicing range that blends beautifully with harp and maracas in traditional ensembles. Players like Cheo Hurtado and Hernán Gamboa have elevated the Cuatro to a solo concert instrument.
Notable artists: Cheo Hurtado, Hernán Gamboa, Simón Díaz, C4 Trío, Jorge Glem
Best for: Venezuelan folk music, joropo rhythm, Latin ensemble playing, and any style that needs bright rhythmic strumming