How To Add The Major Bebop Scale To Your Playing

Posted on by freejazzlessons

Do you wish knew more ways to bridge the gap between the scales you know and what real jazz musicians actually use in their jazz solos?

One of the best ways to go about doing this is to learn the method behind the major bebop scale.

When used properly this scale can open a lot of doors in your improvisation!

The Major Bebop Scale Action Plan

To get started learning first watch the video below so you can best understand how to use this jazz scale and hear it in action.

Then scroll down and check out the notation and extra tips!

Jazz Scale Theory

Major Bebop Scale: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, #5, 6, 7, 8.

The passing note makes all the difference! Keep reading to learn how to use it effectively.

Essential Bebop Scale Stuff To Know

• This scale is essentially a major scale with 1 chromatic passing note between scale degrees 5 and 6.

• A measure of 4/4 has 8 eighth notes in it. Major scales and their modes only have 7 notes in them. Bebop scales have 8 notes.

• So, bebop scales are designed to always have chord tones happening on the strong beats (beats 1, 2, 3, 4) and passing notes notes happening on the off beats (the &’s of the beat).

•  In general, if you look at great jazz solos, alot of the lines have chord tones happening on the strong beats and passing tones on the weak beats. So, this scale falls right in line with this powerful concept.

• If you want some examples of this in action then you should check out this sweet bebop lick, this Charlie Parker riff, or this Wynton Kelly Lick.

• It can be used in other ways but most of the time I tend to use the bebop scale at the ends of my phrases.

• So, when you play your favorite jazz licks or runs and then use the bebop scale at the end of your lines it can really round out your phrases!

• I also tend to use it a bit more when I’m playing at faster tempos. I talk about why this is a good strategy in this fast tempo lesson.

• If you want more information on some other scales you can use to improvise then check out this major chord scale lesson, this minor scale lesson, and of course this altered scale lesson.

Your Action Steps

This site is all about you taking action and helping you improve as a musician. So, I offer you 3 ways to improve your playing right now.

1. Find an example of the major bebop scale is one of your favorite jazz solos. Leave a quick comment below and mention where you hear it.

2. Extra Credit: Make a quick recording of you using the major bebop scale over a few measures of music, your favorite set of chord changes, or a jazz tune. It can literally be anything you like.

(You can easily record and upload to soundcloud.com in like 5 minutes. Leave a link to your playing below and I’ll personally take a listen to it! 

3. EXTRA EXTRA CREDIT: Create a quick youtube video of you using the major bebop scale.

Making videos is a great learning experience and it’s a fantastic way to share music and your passion with the world.

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Steve Nixon is the proud owner of Freejazzlessons.com. He is a world touring jazz and blues keyboard player and educator.

Steve is also the author of the new Jazz Masters Method (a study of 9 legendary jazz piano players) and the Learn Blues Piano DVD Course.

His brand new course, Premium Jazz Lessons Elite Membership, was just released. Premium Jazz Membership