D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale is a unique five-note scale that blends the brightness of a major sound with the dark, exotic tension of a flattened second degree. On Guitar, its notes are D#, G, G#, A, C#. It provides a sophisticated, Spanish color that is useful in both classical and fusion music. Commonly used in Classical, Fusion, Flamenco. Notable players include Chick Corea, Al Di Meola. Use over Maj7, bII chords in Neapolitan contexts. Adds classical Spanish color to fusion and world music.
Notes: D#, G, G#, A, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-H-4-W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
About Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.
Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.
Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage
Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone
Musical Character
Blends major brightness with the dark tension of a b2 — a sophisticated five-note capsule of the Neapolitan system.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in DADGAD
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open G
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in 7-string
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in 8-string
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop C
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop B
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open D