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