Current key:

C Dorian Bebop Scale

C Dorian Bebop

scale

At a Glance

Formula:
C dorian-bebop
NotesCDEbEFGABb
Degree LabelsR2b33456b7
StepsWHHHWWHW

Piano

Fretboard

eBGDAE

What It Is

Dorian with an added major 3rd passing tone between the b3 and 4th degrees - one of the 'bebop scales' jazz improvisers use to keep eighth-note lines landing on chord tones. Notes: C, D, Eb, E, F, G, A, Bb.

How It Functions

Turns a 7-note Dorian line into an 8-note line that lands a chord tone on every downbeat when played in straight eighth notes over a minor 7th (ii7) chord.

Mood & Character

Slick and forward-moving - functionally minor, but the extra passing tone gives lines a smoother, more 'inside' bebop feel than plain Dorian.

Real Song Examples

Real song examples aren't available yet - check back soon.

Practice This

Review this concept with a spaced-repetition flashcard.

Start Practice

Ask the Tutor

Ask the Theory Tutor anything about this concept.

Ask About This