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BeBop Scale

Major

The major bebop scale is used over major 7 chords. This octatonic scale is essentially the ionian mode with an added raised 5th scale degree. The reason for the raised 5th scale degree is so if you play a line of eighth notes moving up or down this scale, and begin on a chord tone, then it will keep the chord tones on strong beats forever. This is because of the even number of notes in the scale.

Dominant

The dominant bebop scale is used over dominant 7 chords. This octatonic scale is essentially the ionian mode with an added lowered 7th scale degree. The reason for the lowered 7th scale degree is so if you play a line of eighth notes moving up or down this scale, and begin on a chord tone, then it will keep the chord tones on strong beats forever. This is because of the even number of notes in the scale.

Minor

The minor bebop scale is used over minor 7 chords. This octatonic scale is essentially the dorian mode with an added major 3rd scale degree. The reason for the major 3rd scale degree is so if you play a line of eighth notes moving up or down this scale, and begin on a chord tone, then it will keep the chord tones on strong beats forever. This is because of the even number of notes in the scale.