Explore scales · Bass
E neapolitan minor scale on bass guitar
E neapolitan minor uses E, F, G, A, B, C, D♯. Box 1 places the root on the second string, making the ♭2 a one-fret stretch.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the E neapolitan minor scale on bass?
E neapolitan minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the E string at fret 0 and the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2, 3 | D♯, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
E neapolitan minor in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. 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) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
E neapolitan minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 6, 7, 8 | D♯, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 8 | C, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E neapolitan minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9, 10 | D♯, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
E neapolitan minor in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the E string at fret 12 and the D string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 13 | D♯, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 12, 14 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 12, 14 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
E neapolitan minor is E harmonic minor with the second degree lowered a half step. The intervals are 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. The half step between E and F defines the scale. Compare it to E harmonic minor.
When to use it
Use E neapolitan minor over E minor or E 5th chords for a tense, exotic sound. The ♭2 works in dark ambient or progressive bass lines. Try it over E minor or E 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. The root on string 2 keeps the hand compact, and the ♭2 is a single fret above.
Common questions
Which chords fit E neapolitan minor?
The tonic E minor and E 5th chords fit directly. The ♭2, F, is a passing tone. The raised seventh, D♯, leads back to E.
How is E neapolitan minor different from E harmonic minor?
E harmonic minor has F♯ as the second degree. E neapolitan minor lowers that to F. This creates a half step between the first and second degrees.
Can I use E neapolitan minor over an E minor chord?
Yes, the scale contains E, G, and B. The F and C add tension. The D♯ is a leading tone to E.
What is the pattern for E neapolitan minor?
The step pattern is half, whole, whole, whole, half, one and a half, half. This gives the scale its distinctive sound.