scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
E bebop major scale — ukulele chords and intervals
The harmonized E bebop major scale yields a major chord family with an added chromatic link between the fifth and sixth degrees, creating the flowing harmonic rhythm essential to swing. The chords from E bebop major are E major, F# diminished, G# (1-♭3-4), A diminished, C# minor seventh, C diminished, C# minor, D# diminished. The extra chord produces a seamless descending chromatic voice in the inner parts. This is the harmonic basis for the classic four-to-the-bar comping style that defined the swing era. Commonly used in Jazz, Swing, Bebop. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Kenny Burrell.
The E bebop major scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 ♯5 6 7.
Intervals: W-W-H-W-H-H-W-H.
Diatonic chords: E major, F# diminished, G# (1-♭3-4), A diminished, C# minor seventh, C diminished, C# minor, D# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | E major |
| ii | F# diminished |
| iii | G# (1-♭3-4) |
| IV | A diminished |
| V | C# minor seventh |
| vi | C diminished |
| vii° | C# minor |
| 8 | D# diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (E major) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (F# diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (G# (1-♭3-4)) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (A diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (C# minor seventh) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C diminished) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (C# minor) 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 E bebop major 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 E bebop major scale on ukulele.
bebop major is the Major scale with added #5 chromatic passing tone. View E Major scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over Maj7, Maj6 chords. Essential for the smooth, flowing lines of traditional swing and bebop over major harmony.