How to Play a C Neapolitan Minor Scale on the Guitar

The C Neapolitan minor scale is an interesting scale that will be a great addition to any guitarist's tool box. This scale has a flat second, flat third and flat sixth degree, making it very different than the traditional minor scale. Try using this scale next time you solo or as a compositional device to create some new sounds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Begin the scale by placing your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string (A string). This is the root note of the C Neapolitan scale.

2. Place your pinky on the fourth fret of the fifth string. This is the note D flat, the flat second degree of the C Neapolitan scale.

3. Using your forefinger, hold down the first fret of the fourth string (D string). This is the note E flat, the flat third degree of the C Neapolitan scale.

4. Play the third fret of the fourth string with your ring finger. This is the note F, the fourth degree of the C Neapolitan scale.

5. Play the third string (G string) open. "Open" means to play the string without holding down any of the frets. This is the note G, the fifth degree of the C Neapolitan scale.

6. Using your forefinger, play the first fret of the third string (G string). This is the note A flat, the flat sixth degree of the C Neapolitan scale.

7. Play the fourth fret of the third string with your pinky. This is the note B, the seventh degree of the C Neapolitan scale.

8. Using your first finger, play the first fret of the second string (B string). This is the final note of the scale. This note is one octave higher than the root note played in Step 1.

9. Play the scale in reverse. Play Steps 8 through 1 in reverse order to complete the scale. You now know how to play a C Neapolitan scale on the guitar.