B Bebop Dominant

The B bebop dominant scale is an eight-note jazz scale derived from the B Mixolydian mode with an added chromatic passing tone between the minor seventh and root. This essential bebop scale adds a major seventh (A#) to the traditional B dominant sound, creating the note sequence B-C#-D#-E-F#-G#-A-A#-B that allows chord tones to land consistently on downbeats during eighth-note improvisation. Built from the fifth degree of E Major, the B bebop dominant scale is essential for jazz pianists improvising over B7 dominant chords in bebop and jazz standards.

Symbol: B7 bebop
Key: b
Scale Type: bebop dominant
Cardinality: octatonic
Number of Notes: 9
Notes: B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, A♯, B
Intervals from Root: M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, m7, M7

The B Bebop Dominant Scale Structure

The B bebop dominant scale follows the interval formula of 2-2-1-2-2-1-1-1 semitones, producing the notes B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, and A#. The chromatic passing tone (A#) creates an eight-note structure ensuring chord tones (B, D#, F#, A) fall on strong beats during eighth-note improvisation. This rhythmic alignment, developed by bebop pioneers, revolutionized jazz improvisation by maintaining harmonic emphasis during rapid scalar passages.

Application in Jazz Standards

The B bebop dominant scale serves as a primary improvisational tool over B7 (B dominant seventh) chords in jazz contexts. Tunes like "Stella By Starlight" by Miles Davis and "'Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk feature B7 dominant harmony where this scale creates authentic bebop language. In ii-V-I progressions resolving to E major (C#m7-B7-Emaj7), the B bebop dominant scale provides smooth voice leading and characteristic bebop chromaticism.

Piano Practice Techniques

For effective piano practice of the B bebop dominant scale, use consistent fingering: right hand ascending from B: 1(B)-2(C#)-3(D#)-1(E)-2(F#)- 3(G#)-4(A)-1(A#)-2(B). Set your metronome to 60-80 BPM and practice in strict eighth notes, emphasizing chord tones (B, D#, F#, A) on downbeats. Progress to various rhythmic groupings and practice through different octaves to develop facility and fluency across the keyboard.

Harmonic Applications

In the key of E major, the progression C#m7-B7-Emaj7 provides perfect context for the B bebop dominant scale: play C# Dorian over C#m7, switch to B bebop dominant over B7, and resolve to E major. The scale also works in modal contexts where B7 harmony is sustained, allowing extended exploration of bebop chromaticism.

Relationships to Other B Scales

The B bebop dominant scale shares its foundation with the B Mixolydian mode, differing only by the A# chromatic passing tone. The B bebop major scale serves as the parallel bebop scale. Jazz pianists develop fluency with multiple B dominant scale options—bebop dominant, Mixolydian, altered— learning to choose based on harmonic context.