C Neapolitan Minor
Natural minor with ♭2 and ♮7. Operatic, late-Romantic colour.
Playback sounds a perfect 5th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
What notes are in the C Neapolitan Minor scale?
The C Neapolitan Minor scale uses the notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B (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 C to get the C Neapolitan Minor scale.
What chords work over C 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 C Neapolitan Minor on French Horn?
On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).
When would I use the Neapolitan Minor scale?
Natural minor with ♭2 and ♮7. Operatic, late-Romantic colour.