G# Neapolitan Dorian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
What chords fit over G# Neapolitan Dorian?
Open G# Neapolitan Dorian HarmonizerG# 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 Guitar, the notes are G#, A, B, C#, D#, F, 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#, A, B, C#, D#, F, 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 Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 4 on the 6th (low E) to find your G# root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is 11th fret on the A string.
The G# Neapolitan Dorian scale contains 4 sharps (G#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the G# Neapolitan Dorian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G#-B, A-C#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
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 film scores contexts.
Guitar Tips
Use hybrid picking (pick + fingers) when playing the G# Neapolitan Dorian scale on guitar to access wider intervals and string skips that a pick alone cannot handle efficiently. 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#, A, B, C#, D#, F, F#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Guitar 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.
Explore G# Neapolitan Dorian Further
- Harmonize the G# Neapolitan Dorian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Neapolitan Dorian on Ukulele
- G# Neapolitan Dorian on Bass
- G# Neapolitan Dorian on Piano
Explore G# Neapolitan Dorian in Other Tunings
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- G# Neapolitan Dorian in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)