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