Explore scales · Ukulele
D neapolitan minor scale on ukulele
D neapolitan minor uses D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭, C♯. The root on string 3, fret 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 D neapolitan minor scale on ukulele?
D neapolitan minor in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
D neapolitan minor in box 2 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 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 8 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
D neapolitan minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 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 G string at fret 7 and the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
D 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 E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 11 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
D neapolitan minor is D harmonic minor with the second degree lowered to E♭. The scale spells 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7, giving the step pattern H, W, W, W, H, 1½, H. The ♭2 E♭ leads down to the tonic D. Compare it with D harmonic minor to hear the flattened second.
When to use it
Use D neapolitan minor over D minor progressions for a dark, exotic colour. The ♭2 works over D minor as a passing tone, and the ♭6 adds tension over B♭ major. It suits neoclassical metal, flamenco, and film-score tension.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root D sits on string 3, fret 2, keeping the ♭2 E♭ close for chromatic lines.
Common questions
Which chords fit D neapolitan minor?
The tonic D minor and D 5th work as home chords. The ♭II chord E♭ major provides the characteristic Neapolitan sound. The augmented III chord F augmented also fits.
How does the reentrant G string affect the scale?
The high G string lets you play the ♭2 E♭ at fret 3 on string 3, close to the root D at fret 2. This makes the half-step opening easy to fret.
Is D neapolitan minor the same as D harmonic minor?
No. D harmonic minor has E natural, while D neapolitan minor has E♭. The flattened second is the defining difference.