B Neapolitan Major Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
B Neapolitan Major in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The B Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Guitar, the notes are B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A#. 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: B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A#
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
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
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.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- B Neapolitan Major in Standard Tuning
- B Neapolitan Major in Drop D
- B Neapolitan Major in DADGAD
- B Neapolitan Major in Open G
- B Neapolitan Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Neapolitan Major in 7-string
- B Neapolitan Major in 8-string
- B Neapolitan Major in Drop C
- B Neapolitan Major in Drop B
- B Neapolitan Major in Open D
- B Neapolitan Major in Half Step Down
- B Neapolitan Major in Open E
- B Neapolitan Major in Open A
- B Neapolitan Major in Double Drop D