Bebop Walking Bass 2.0

The development of jazz improvisation techniques can be traced back to the early 1920s, when prominent musicians such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Wes Montgomery, Bud Powell, and Charles Mingus began incorporating chromatic passing tones to create smoother melodic lines through the connection of scales and scale tones. During this period, these jazz innovators extended various scales and modes—such as Dorian, Mixolydian, and Locrian—by adding an additional half step. This approach contributed to rhythmic and melodic symmetry when played in eighth notes, a common rhythmic subdivision at the time. For example, a major scale played in eighth notes with an added half step demonstrates this technique. Such material is now widely employed not only by bass guitarists but also by double bassists seeking to enrich their improvisational vocabulary.

Bebop scales represent a fundamental element in jazz improvisation, particularly effective in constructing walking bass lines. They provide a framework for understanding harmonic context and melodic development over chord progressions. Notable artists known for their mastery of bebop scales and their application include Jeff Berlin, Richard Bona, Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Stanley Clarke, Nathan East, Matthew Garrison, Eddie Gomez, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Anthony Jackson, Alphonso Johnson, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Gary Peacock, and Miroslav Vitous.

The "Bebop Scales on Bass" application offers a comprehensive visual representation of numerous bebop scales optimized for use on iPhone and iPad devices. Its design emphasizes clarity and ease of navigation for professional musicians seeking to expand their improvisational resources.

Application Features:

• Approximately 370 unique bass bebop scales, easily transposable to generate over 4,400 variations including different modes and transpositions.
• Harmonization option for each scale: users can listen to the chords associated with specific scales. Additional harmonic insights are available through the "Bassman" app. This feature aligns with common practices among arrangers for harmonizing melodic lines.
• Multiple fingering layouts are provided for each scale—vertical or horizontal orientations, narrow or wide fingerings—allowing customization via the "Variation" button.
• Scales can be transposed into any key by dragging notes on-screen with your finger.
• Adjustable metronome with variable tempo and time signature for prioritizing timing accuracy during practice.
• Note names or fingering labels can be displayed on the cursor or notes—user-selectable options enhance learning flexibility.
• Degree indicator feature enables detailed examination of scale steps (toggle available in the Settings menu).
• Key signatures display sharp or flat symbols corresponding accurately to the scale's key.
• Rapid playback functionality with tempo ranging from 30 to 360 BPM facilitates efficient learning and transcription.
• Step-by-step note playback in both forward and reverse directions supports an in-depth understanding of scale structures.
• User can manually select notes by tapping on-screen elements for customized practice sessions.
• Six distinct harmony timbres allow for tonal variety during harmonic exploration.
• Stereo chorus effects available to enrich harmony chord playback.
• Favorites feature (star icon) enables quick access to preferred modes; saved modes are accessible within the "Favorites" folder in the Scale Selector.
• Master Tune control accommodates different bass tunings for seamless integration with various instruments.
• Designed compatibly for both iPhone and iPad platforms.
• Compatible with iOS 7.0 and later versions (including iOS 11).