G Neapolitan Dorian Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
G Neapolitan Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Neapolitan Dorian scale merges the Dorian mode's natural sixth with the Phrygian mode's flattened second, producing a uniquely balanced Mediterranean sound. On Bass, the notes are G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E, F. It evokes the intense pathos of Spanish and Andalusian music, delivering dark gravity alongside a warmth that pure Phrygian cannot achieve. Commonly used in Flamenco, Spanish Folk, Film Scores, Metal. Notable players include Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola. Use over m7 and sus(b9) chords. The natural 6th allows for m6 chord usage that standard Phrygian cannot support. Works beautifully in Andalusian cadence contexts.
Notes: G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E, F
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
Identical to Phrygian with a raised 6th degree, or Dorian with a flattened 2nd. The b2 provides Spanish gravity while the natural 6th lifts it above standard Phrygian darkness, creating a uniquely balanced Mediterranean sound.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Flamenco, Spanish Folk, Film Scores, Metal
Notable players: Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola
How to Use the G Neapolitan Dorian Scale
Use over m7 and sus(b9) chords. The natural 6th allows for m6 chord usage that standard Phrygian cannot support. Works beautifully in Andalusian cadence contexts.
Origin & Background
A modal hybrid combining the Dorian mode's natural 6th with the Phrygian mode's flattened 2nd. The result evokes the intense pathos of Spanish and Andalusian folk music. Sometimes encountered in Sephardic Jewish musical traditions as well.
How to Play G Neapolitan Dorian on Bass
On bass, locate G on the E string at fret 3. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The G Neapolitan Dorian scale contains 2 flats (Ab, Bb). Its relative major is Bb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G Neapolitan Dorian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G to let the characteristic intervals of the Neapolitan Dorian scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in flamenco contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the G Neapolitan Dorian 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. Aim for a spanish quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The G Neapolitan Dorian scale contains 7 notes (G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E, F). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Neapolitan Dorian
The G Neapolitan Dorian 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 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.