A♭ Bebop major Scale

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Summary

A♭ Bebop major contains 8 notes: A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, E, F, G. It has 4 flats: A♭, B♭, D♭, E♭. The step pattern is W–W–H–W–H–H–W–H.

The bebop major scale adds a #5 passing tone to the major scale. It allows improvisers to construct continuous, flowing lines over major 7th chords without losing melodic momentum.

Theory

The formula is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, #5, 6, 7. The chromatic insertion between the 5th and 6th keeps chord tones (R, 3, 5, 7) on downbeats when playing running eighth notes. The #5 acts as a brief chromatic color that resolves immediately to the 6th. It is important to resolve the passing note properly so the listener does not hear unresolved tension over a stable Imaj7 chord.

On the guitar

Practice one-octave and two-octave fingerings combined with major 7th arpeggios. Combine the major bebop scale with dominant and minor bebop scales to navigate full ii-V-I progressions seamlessly across the neck.

Step pattern W – W – H – W – H – H – W – H

Piano

Staff

Common in

JazzBebop

Examples

Autumn Leaves - Joseph Kosma
Take the A Train - Billy Strayhorn
On Green Dolphin Street - Bronislau Kaper

A♭ Bebop major Scale

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