Explore scales · Ukulele
E neapolitan minor scale on ukulele
E neapolitan minor uses E, F, G, A, B, C, D♯. The root on string 3, fret 4 makes Box 1 a convenient starting grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the E neapolitan minor scale on ukulele?
E 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 E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E neapolitan minor in box 2 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 C string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
E 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 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9, 10 | D♯, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
E neapolitan minor in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 G string at fret 9 and the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
E neapolitan minor is E harmonic minor with the second degree lowered to F. The scale spells 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7, giving the step pattern H, W, W, W, H, 1½, H. The ♭2 F leads down to the tonic E. Compare it with E harmonic minor to hear the flattened second.
When to use it
Use E neapolitan minor over E minor progressions for a dark, exotic colour. The ♭2 works over E minor as a passing tone, and the ♭6 adds tension over C major. It suits neoclassical metal, flamenco, and film-score tension.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root E sits on string 3, fret 4, keeping the ♭2 F close for chromatic lines.
Common questions
Which chords fit E neapolitan minor?
The tonic E minor and E 5th work as home chords. The ♭II chord F major provides the characteristic Neapolitan sound. The augmented III chord G augmented also fits.
How does the reentrant G string affect the scale?
The high G string lets you play the ♭2 F at fret 5 on string 3, close to the root E at fret 4. This makes the half-step opening easy to fret.
Is E neapolitan minor the same as E harmonic minor?
No. E harmonic minor has F♯, while E neapolitan minor has F. The flattened second is the defining difference.