- A Neapolitan chord is simply a major triad that is built on a special note.
- This note is the lowered second degree (the supertonic) of a major or minor scale.
- Let's build the Neapolitan of C Minor.
- First, figure out the second scale degree. In C Minor, this is D.
- Next, we will lower it to Db.
- Now build a major triad. This results in Db–F–Ab.
- A Db major chord is the Neapolitan of C Minor.
- Next, let's build the Neapolitan of E Minor.
- Again, we need to figure out the second scale degree. In E Minor, this is F#.
- Lower it to F natural.
- Now, build a major triad. This results in F–A–C.
- Thus, an F major chord is the Neapolitan of E Minor.
- Next, let's build the Neapolitan of Ab Major.
- In this key, the second scale degree is Bb.
- Lower it to Bbb.
- Now, build a major triad. This results in Bbb–Db–Fb.
- Thus, a Bbb major chord is the Neapolitan of Ab Major.
- For our final example, let's build the Neapolitan of A Major.
- In this key, the second scale degree is B.
- Lower it to Bb.
- Now, build a major triad. This results in Bb–D–F.
- Thus, a Bb major chord is the Neapolitan of A Major.
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