B Neapolitan Major Ukulele Scale
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What chords fit over B Neapolitan Major?
Open B Neapolitan Major HarmonizerB Neapolitan Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Neapolitan Major scale is a sophisticated and bright variation of the Neapolitan minor. On Ukulele, the notes are B, C, D, E, 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: B, C, D, E, 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
Musical Character
The b2 creates a chromatic, Spanish-flavored approach to the tonic — the famous 'Neapolitan chord' (bII) derives its name from this scale's use in Neapolitan opera.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Classical, Opera, Film Scores
Notable players: Chopin, Verdi, Puccini
How to Use the B Neapolitan Major Scale
Use over bII-V-I cadences. The source of the Neapolitan sixth chord, one of classical music's most elegant chromatic devices.
Origin & Background
Named after the Neapolitan school of 18th-century Italian opera. Source of the Neapolitan sixth chord.
How to Play B Neapolitan Major on Ukulele
On ukulele, find B on the fret 2 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The B Neapolitan Major scale contains 3 sharps (F#, G#, A#). Its relative minor is G# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the B Neapolitan Major scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Neapolitan Major scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the B Neapolitan Major scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound. Aim for a elegant quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Neapolitan Major scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Neapolitan Major
The B Neapolitan Major scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore B Neapolitan Major Further
- Harmonize the B Neapolitan Major scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- B Neapolitan Major on Guitar
- B Neapolitan Major on Bass
- B Neapolitan Major on Piano