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Bebop Vocabulary
Learn bebop scale runs and classic Charlie Parker licks.
Objective
Play the bebop dominant scale over a G7 chord and perform two classic Parker-style licks in tempo.
Concepts
- ▸The bebop scale adds a chromatic passing tone to a standard scale, keeping chord tones on the beat.
- ▸Bebop dominant scale (G): G A B C D E F F# G — the major 7th is inserted between flat 7 and root.
- ▸The goal: when you start on a chord tone and play 8th notes, every downbeat lands on a chord tone.
- ▸Bebop phrasing is characterized by long flowing 8th-note lines, enclosures (approaching a note from above and below), and motivic development.
- ▸Enclosure: to land on G, play Ab–F#–G. To land on B, play C–Bb–B.
- ▸Rhythm: bebop is typically played at fast tempos (160+ BPM); start slow and build.
Diagram / Notation
G Bebop Dominant Scale (one octave)
e |-----------------------------------------|
B |-----------------------------------------|
G |--2--4--5--4--2--0-----------------------|
D |--5------5--4--2--0----------------------|
A |--5--4--2--0-----------------------------|
E |--3--------------------------------------|
G A B C D E F F# G
Classic Parker Lick (over G7):
e |--6--5--3--5--3-----------------------------|
B |--------5--3--4--3--------------------------|
G |-------------------4--2--4--2---------------|
D |------------------------------5--3----------|Exercises
1.Bebop scale slow run
- 1.Play G bebop dominant scale ascending and descending, all 8th notes at 80 BPM.
- 2.Count "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and" — every numbered beat should land on G B D F (chord tones).
- 3.If a non-chord tone lands on a downbeat, shift your starting note by one step.
2.Learn one Parker lick
- 1.Pick the example lick from the diagram. Play it one note at a time, no rhythm, just notes.
- 2.Add rhythmic feel: strict 8th notes first, then start swinging.
- 3.Transpose the lick to C7 (same shape, up 5 frets).
- 4.Plug it into a ii–V–I: play Dm7 shell → lick over G7 → resolve to Cmaj7 note.
3.Call and response improvisation
- 1.Over a G7 vamp: play the lick (call), then leave 2 bars of silence (response).
- 2.Fill the response with a made-up phrase using only chord tones.
- 3.Gradually connect the two ideas until you have a flowing 4-bar statement.
Tips
- 💡Learn licks by ear first — transcribe even one bar from a Charlie Parker solo.
- 💡Bebop vocabulary is like language: you need a vocabulary of phrases before you can "speak" fluently.
- 💡Slower is always better — play the lick at half speed until every note is clear, then double it.
- 💡Recommended listening: Charlie Parker "Ko-Ko", Wes Montgomery "Four on Six", Joe Pass "Autumn Leaves".