Construction
To construct the Dorian bebop melodic scale, follow these two steps:
1 - Start with the Dorian mode:
The Dorian mode is the second mode of the major scale.It is derived from the major scale by starting on the second degree. For example, D Dorian is derived from the C major scale and consists of the notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
2 - Add a chromatic passing tone:
In the case of the Dorian bebop melodic scale, the chromatic passing tone is added between the minor seventh and the tonic. This added note creates an 8-note scale that fits more evenly across the bar lines in jazz rhythms.
This is one of the 7 variations of the Dorian mode.
Therefore, the D Dorian bebop melodic scale is:
D, E, F, G, A, B, C, C#.