A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The A# 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 Guitar, its notes are A#, D, D#, E, G#. 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: A#, D, D#, E, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-H-4-W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.
From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.
Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red
Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop D
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in DADGAD
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open G
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in 7-string
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in 8-string
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop B
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open D
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open E
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open A
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- A# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open C