Explore scales · Ukulele
A neapolitan minor scale on ukulele
A neapolitan minor uses A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G♯. Its half-step opening gives Box 1 a distinctive chromatic pull.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A neapolitan minor scale on ukulele?
A neapolitan minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A neapolitan minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
A neapolitan minor in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5 | E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 6 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A neapolitan minor in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A neapolitan minor is A harmonic minor with the second degree lowered a half step to B♭. The scale spells 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7, producing the step pattern H, W, W, W, H, 1½, H. The ♭2 creates a leading-tone relationship with the tonic A. Compare it with A harmonic minor to hear the flattened second.
When to use it
Use A neapolitan minor over A minor progressions when you want a darker, more exotic colour. The ♭2 works over A minor as a passing tone, and the ♭6 adds tension over F major. It suits neoclassical metal, flamenco, and film-score tension.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root A sits on string 4, fret 2, keeping the ♭2 close for chromatic lines.
Common questions
Which chords fit A neapolitan minor?
The tonic A minor and A 5th work as home chords. The ♭II chord B♭ major provides the characteristic Neapolitan sound. The augmented III chord C augmented also fits.
How does the reentrant G string affect the scale?
The high G string lets you play the ♭2 B♭ at fret 3 on string 4, close to the root A at fret 2. This makes the half-step opening easy to fret.
Is A neapolitan minor the same as A harmonic minor?
No. A harmonic minor has B natural, while A neapolitan minor has B♭. The flattened second is the defining difference.