A Neapolitan Major Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
A Neapolitan Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Piano, the notes are A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G#. It provides a chromatic, Spanish feel that is often used in classical music to approach the home key with an elegant, unexpected twist. Commonly used in Classical, Opera, Film Scores. Notable players include Chopin, Verdi, Puccini. Use over bII-V-I cadences. The source of the Neapolitan sixth chord, one of classical music's most elegant chromatic devices.
Notes: A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 7
Formula: H-W-W-W-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play A Neapolitan Major on Piano
On piano, the A Neapolitan Major scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on A and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The A Neapolitan Major scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is F# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the A Neapolitan Major scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A-C, Bb-D) 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 A to let the characteristic intervals of the Neapolitan Major scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the A Neapolitan Major scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The A Neapolitan Major scale contains 7 notes (A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.