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Writer's pictureEd Levy

How to Master Major Bebop Pattern: The Ultimate Cycle of 4ths Challenge

Welcome to the **follow-up challenge** from September’s Bebop Scale Bootcamp! Today, we’ll focus on a specific major bebop pattern from David Baker’s method and apply it through the cycle of 4ths to elevate your bebop fluency.


The Pattern


Here’s the major bebop pattern in C major:


- **C, E, G, B, A, Ab, G, F, E, D, C, B, D, C**


This line incorporates chord tones, the chromatic passing tone **Ab**, and classic bebop phrasing.


The Challenge: Cycle of 4ths


Now, play this pattern in all 12 keys, moving through the cycle of 4ths:


- **C → F → Bb → Eb → Ab → Db → Gb → B → E → A → D → G → C**


Steps:


1. Start in **C major** and play the pattern.

2. Move to **F major**, then **Bb**, and continue around the cycle.

3. Focus on smooth transitions and accuracy in each key.


Practice Tips:


- Use a metronome for steady timing.

- Focus on clean execution before increasing speed.

Get this pattern down—once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be ready for the next Bebop Scale Bootcamp follow-up challenge!


Happy picking,

Ed

Sheet music for jazz exercise








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