THEORY HELPERC Bebop Dominant Scale
Jazz, chromatic passing tone
What is the C Bebop Dominant Scale?
The Bebop Dominant scale adds a chromatic passing tone between the flat 7th and root of the Mixolydian mode. This eighth note ensures chord tones land on strong beats when playing eighth note lines, essential for bebop jazz.
Interval Pattern: W-W-H-W-W-H-H-H
Scale Notes and Intervals
C Bebop Dominant
SwingingC 1
D 2
E 3
F 4
G 5
A 6
Bb 7
B 8
Notes:
C -D -E -F -G -A -Bb -B
Intervals:
WWHWWHH H
Keyboard Visualization
How to Play C Bebop Dominant on Piano
Scale Properties
Mood
SwingingCharacter
Jazz, chromatic passing toneGenres
Jazz, Bebop, FusionNotes in Scale
8 notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb, BCategory
BebopIntervals
W-W-H-W-W-H-H-HHistory and Origins
The Background of the Bebop Dominant Scale
Developed by bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Barry Harris in the 1940s. It solved the problem of how to play continuous eighth note lines while keeping chord tones on downbeats.
Musical Characteristics
Key Features of the C Bebop Dominant Scale
- Eight-note scale with chromatic passing tone
- Chord tones fall on downbeats
- Perfect for flowing eighth note lines
- Essential for bebop vocabulary
Famous Songs Using This Scale
Popular Tracks in C Bebop Dominant
- Anthropology - Charlie Parker
- Donna Lee - Charlie Parker
- Confirmation - Charlie Parker
- Cherokee (bebop arrangement)
Playing Tips
How to Practice the C Bebop Dominant Scale
Start on a chord tone on beat 1 and the scale naturally places chord tones on strong beats. Use over dominant 7th chords. Practice in eighth notes to internalize the rhythmic feel.
Circle of Fifths Position
C in the Circle of Fifths
Major
Minor
Selected