A Neapolitan Major scale
The A Neapolitan Major scale is a 7-note neapolitan major scale built on the root A. Its notes are A, B♭, C, D, E, F♯ and A♭. Major scale with a flat second — operatic, dramatic and angular. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make A Neapolitan Major a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Neapolitan major is rare but striking — it combines a flat second with bright sixth and seventh degrees, giving an operatic flair. Built on the root A, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where A is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The A Neapolitan Major scale follows a scale combining a flat second with a major sixth and seventh. Step pattern: H - W - W - W - W - W - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
A Neapolitan Major on the piano
A Neapolitan Major on the guitar
A Neapolitan Major on the staff
Hear the A Neapolitan Major scale
Notes of the A Neapolitan Major scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | A |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | B♭(Bb) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | C |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | D |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | E |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | F♯(F#) |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | A♭(Ab) |
Diatonic chords of A Neapolitan Major
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the A Neapolitan Major scale
The diatonic chords of A Neapolitan Major are: i = Am, II+ = B♭+, III+ = C+, IV = D, V = E, vi° = F♯°, VII = A♭. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in A Neapolitan Major. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Neapolitan major is rare but striking — it combines a flat second with bright sixth and seventh degrees, giving an operatic flair.
Practice tips
Lean on the flat second as a chromatic neighbour to the tonic; it gives this scale its operatic gravitas.
Famous songs in this key
A Neapolitan Major appears throughout neapolitan major is rare but striking — it combines a flat second with bright sixth and seventh degrees, giving an operatic flair. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to A Neapolitan Major
Once you are comfortable with A Neapolitan Major, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with A Neapolitan Major and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Neapolitan Major scale?
What is the formula for the A Neapolitan Major scale?
Is A Neapolitan Major a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the A Neapolitan Major scale?
Which genres use A Neapolitan Major?
How do I practise the A Neapolitan Major scale?
Take A Neapolitan Major into your music
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