G Neapolitan Major Guitar Scale — Open G
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
G Neapolitan Major in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The G Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Guitar, the notes are G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E, F#. 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: G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E, F#
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 G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Neapolitan Major in Standard Tuning
- G Neapolitan Major in Drop D
- G Neapolitan Major in DADGAD
- G Neapolitan Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Neapolitan Major in 7-string
- G Neapolitan Major in 8-string
- G Neapolitan Major in Drop C
- G Neapolitan Major in Drop B
- G Neapolitan Major in Open D
- G Neapolitan Major in Half Step Down
- G Neapolitan Major in Open E
- G Neapolitan Major in Open A
- G Neapolitan Major in Double Drop D
- G Neapolitan Major in Open C