Explore scales · Guitar
B neapolitan minor scale on guitar
B neapolitan minor uses B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A♯. Box 1 keeps the root on the fifth string for a compact pattern.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the B neapolitan minor scale on guitar?
B neapolitan minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 16 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the B string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 5 (A) | 1, 2, 3 | A♯, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 3 | G, A♯ |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 3 | B, C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B neapolitan minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 15 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 5 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (G) | 3, 4, 5 | A♯, B, C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5 | D, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B neapolitan minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 16 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the low E string at fret 7, the D string at fret 9 and the high e string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 4 (D) | 8, 9, 10 | A♯, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 2 (B) | 7, 8 | F♯, G |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
B neapolitan minor in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 13 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the B string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 5 (A) | 10, 13 | G, A♯ |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
| 2 (B) | 11, 12, 13 | A♯, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
B neapolitan minor is B harmonic minor with the second degree lowered a half step to C. The step pattern is H, W, W, W, H, 1½, H. The ♭2 sits a semitone above the tonic. Compare with B harmonic minor to hear the lowered second degree.
When to use it
Use it over B minor progressions with a ♭II chord like C major. It fits neoclassical metal and dark jazz fusion. The ♭2 adds a Phrygian-like colour.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root is on string 5, fret 2, and the ♭2 is one fret higher. It covers frets 0–3 and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in B neapolitan minor?
B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A♯. The scale has a half step between B and C. The 1½ step occurs between G and A♯.
Which chords fit B neapolitan minor?
The tonic chord is B minor. The ♭II chord is C major. The v chord is F♯ 7th flat 5. These chords highlight the scale's altered degrees.
How is B neapolitan minor different from B harmonic minor?
B harmonic minor has C♯, while neapolitan minor has C natural. This lowers the second degree by a half step. The rest of the scale is identical.