A Minor Bebop Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
A Minor Bebop in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The A Minor Bebop scale is a variation used to navigate melodic minor harmonies in a jazz context. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, G#. The added chromatic passing tone allows for sophisticated phrasing and ensures that the tension and resolution points are perfectly timed with the rhythm. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Contemporary. Notable players include Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield. Use over mMaj7, m6 chords. Connects melodic minor theory with bebop rhythm for advanced jazz improvisation.
Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-H-H
Number of notes: 8
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Musical Character
Designed for melodic minor harmony — the chromatic passing tone allows sophisticated phrasing over mMaj7 and altered dominant chords.