G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G 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 Piano, its notes are G, B, C, Db, F. 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: G, B, C, Db, F
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 G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on G and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale contains 1 flat (Db). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in G. Try a G5 - Db5 - F5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The G Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G, B, C, Db, F). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.