A# Neapolitan Major Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Neapolitan Major in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The A# Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Guitar, the notes are A#, B, C#, D#, F, G, A. 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#, B, C#, D#, F, G, A
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: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
About Open D Tuning
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) produces a full D major chord when strummed open, creating a warm, resonant sound that has been a staple of slide guitar, folk, and acoustic music for over a century. The three D strings create a deep, droning foundation that makes even simple chord shapes sound lush and full.
Open D is closely related to Open E (same intervals, just a whole step lower) but puts less tension on the guitar neck, making it safer for acoustic instruments. It was a favorite of Joni Mitchell, who used it extensively for her unique chord voicings, and Bob Dylan, who popularized it in folk-rock. For slide players, Open D provides the same intuitive major-chord-at-any-fret approach as Open G but with a warmer, deeper character.
Notable artists: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bruce Cockburn, Elmore James
Best for: Slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, singer-songwriter arrangements, and acoustic compositions with rich open-string resonance
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A# Neapolitan Major in Standard Tuning
- A# Neapolitan Major in Drop D
- A# Neapolitan Major in DADGAD
- 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 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