Explore scales · Bass
B neapolitan minor scale on bass guitar
B neapolitan minor uses B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A♯. Box 2 puts the root on the fourth string, giving easy access to the upper octave.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the B neapolitan minor scale on bass?
B neapolitan minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A♯ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2, 3 | A♯, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 3 | G, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B neapolitan minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4, 5 | A♯, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B neapolitan minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9, 10 | A♯, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
B neapolitan minor in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. No root falls inside this box; it sits between two of them.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 13 | G, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
B neapolitan minor is B harmonic minor with the second degree lowered a half step. The intervals are 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. The half step between B and C is the scale's defining feature. Compare it to B harmonic minor.
When to use it
Use B neapolitan minor over B minor or B 5th chords for a dark, exotic colour. The ♭2 works well in metal and neoclassical bass lines. Try it over B minor or B 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 2. The root on the fourth string allows a full two-octave range without shifting.
Common questions
Which chords fit B neapolitan minor?
The tonic B minor and B 5th chords fit directly. The ♭2, C, is a passing tone. The raised seventh, A♯, leads back to B.
How is B neapolitan minor different from B harmonic minor?
B harmonic minor has C♯ as the second degree. B neapolitan minor lowers that to C. This creates a half step between the first and second degrees.
Can I use B neapolitan minor over a B minor chord?
Yes, the scale contains B, D, and F♯. The C and G add tension. The A♯ is a leading tone to B.
What is the pattern for B neapolitan minor?
The step pattern is half, whole, whole, whole, half, one and a half, half. This gives the scale its distinctive sound.