Explore scales · Ukulele
B neapolitan minor scale on ukulele
B neapolitan minor uses B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A♯. The root on open string 2 makes Box 1 a convenient starting grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the B neapolitan minor scale on ukulele?
B 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 A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 3 | G, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 3 | A♯, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B 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 4 and the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 5 | A♯, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
B neapolitan minor in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 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 G string at fret 4 and the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
B neapolitan minor in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7 | F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 8 | A♯, B, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B neapolitan minor is B harmonic minor with the second degree lowered to C. The scale spells 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7, giving the step pattern H, W, W, W, H, 1½, H. The ♭2 C leads down to the tonic B. Compare it with B harmonic minor to hear the flattened second.
When to use it
Use B neapolitan minor over B minor progressions for a dark, exotic colour. The ♭2 works over B minor as a passing tone, and the ♭6 adds tension over G major. It suits neoclassical metal, flamenco, and film-score tension.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root B sits on string 4, fret 4, keeping the ♭2 C close for chromatic lines.
Common questions
Which chords fit B neapolitan minor?
The tonic B minor and B 5th work as home chords. The ♭II chord C major provides the characteristic Neapolitan sound. The augmented III chord D augmented also fits.
How does the reentrant G string affect the scale?
The high G string lets you play the ♭2 C at fret 5 on string 4, close to the root B at fret 4. This makes the half-step opening easy to fret.
Is B neapolitan minor the same as B harmonic minor?
No. B harmonic minor has C♯, while B neapolitan minor has C. The flattened second is the defining difference.