A Neapolitan Major Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A Neapolitan Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Banjo (5-String), the notes are A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G#. It provides a chromatic, Spanish feel that is often used in classical music to approach the home key with an elegant, unexpected twist. Commonly used in Classical, Opera, Film Scores. Notable players include Chopin, Verdi, Puccini. Use over bII-V-I cadences. The source of the Neapolitan sixth chord, one of classical music's most elegant chromatic devices.
Notes: A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 7
Formula: H-W-W-W-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
The b2 creates a chromatic, Spanish-flavored approach to the tonic — the famous 'Neapolitan chord' (bII) derives its name from this scale's use in Neapolitan opera.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Classical, Opera, Film Scores
Notable players: Chopin, Verdi, Puccini
How to Use the A Neapolitan Major Scale
Use over bII-V-I cadences. The source of the Neapolitan sixth chord, one of classical music's most elegant chromatic devices.
Origin & Background
Named after the Neapolitan school of 18th-century Italian opera. Source of the Neapolitan sixth chord.
How to Play A Neapolitan Major on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Neapolitan Major scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Neapolitan Major scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is F# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Neapolitan Major scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Neapolitan Major scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the A Neapolitan Major scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a elegant quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A Neapolitan Major scale contains 7 notes (A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Neapolitan Major
The A Neapolitan Major scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A Neapolitan Major Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Neapolitan Major on Guitar
- A Neapolitan Major on Ukulele
- A Neapolitan Major on Bass
- A Neapolitan Major on Piano