fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON BASSOON

A Neapolitan Minor

Natural minor with ♭2 and ♮7. Operatic, late-Romantic colour.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title A Neapolitan Minor Verovio
Keyboard
ACDEFACDEFACDEFAB♭G♯B♭G♯B♭G♯
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the A Neapolitan Minor scale?

The A Neapolitan Minor scale uses the notes A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G♯ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Neapolitan Minor scale formula?

The Neapolitan Minor scale follows the interval pattern H W W W H W+H H, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on A to get the A Neapolitan Minor scale.

What chords work over A Neapolitan Minor?

Try chord pairings derived from the scale's third, fifth, and seventh degrees as roots — they share the most diatonic notes.

How do I finger A Neapolitan Minor on Bassoon?

On double reeds, scales train reed control + register changes + the half-hole / full-hole register transition. Slow practice exposes pitch instability the player can correct with embouchure.

When would I use the Neapolitan Minor scale?

Natural minor with ♭2 and ♮7. Operatic, late-Romantic colour.