D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale is a unique five-note scale that blends the brightness of a major sound with the dark, exotic tension of a flattened second degree. On Bass, its notes are D, F#, G, Ab, C. It provides a sophisticated, Spanish color that is useful in both classical and fusion music. Commonly used in Classical, Fusion, Flamenco. Notable players include Chick Corea, Al Di Meola. Use over Maj7, bII chords in Neapolitan contexts. Adds classical Spanish color to fusion and world music.
Notes: D, F#, G, Ab, C
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-H-4-W
Number of notes: 5
How to Play D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate D on the A string at fret 5. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-G, F#-Ab) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in D. Try a D5 - Ab5 - C5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations.
The D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (D, F#, G, Ab, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic
The D Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.