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