C Neapolitan Major Guitar Scale — Drop D
Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
C Neapolitan Major in Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The C Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Guitar, the notes are C, Db, Eb, F, G, A, B. 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: C, Db, Eb, F, G, A, B
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: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
About Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.
Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.
Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage
Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C Neapolitan Major in Standard Tuning
- C Neapolitan Major in DADGAD
- C Neapolitan Major in Open G
- C Neapolitan Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- C Neapolitan Major in 7-string
- C Neapolitan Major in 8-string
- C Neapolitan Major in Drop C
- C Neapolitan Major in Drop B
- C Neapolitan Major in Open D
- C Neapolitan Major in Half Step Down
- C Neapolitan Major in Open E
- C Neapolitan Major in Open A
- C Neapolitan Major in Double Drop D
- C Neapolitan Major in Open C