B Neapolitan Major
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Neapolitan Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Ukulele, 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
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 B 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.
Related Scales
The B Neapolitan Major scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.