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