A Neapolitan Major Guitar Scale — DADGAD
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
A Neapolitan Major in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The A Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Guitar, 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
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A Neapolitan Major in Standard Tuning
- A Neapolitan Major in Drop D
- A Neapolitan Major in Open G
- A Neapolitan Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Neapolitan Major in 7-string
- A Neapolitan Major in 8-string
- A Neapolitan Major in Drop C
- A Neapolitan Major in Drop B
- A Neapolitan Major in Open D
- A Neapolitan Major in Half Step Down
- A Neapolitan Major in Open E
- A Neapolitan Major in Open A
- A Neapolitan Major in Double Drop D
- A Neapolitan Major in Open C