Building Neapolitan Chords

A Neapol i t an c hor d 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.
Building Neapolitan Chords
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Building Neapolitan Chords
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 DbFAb.
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Building Neapolitan Chords
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.
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Building Neapolitan Chords
Now, build a major triad. This results in FAC.
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.
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Building Neapolitan Chords
Lower it to Bbb.
Now, build a major triad. This results in BbbDbFb.
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Building Neapolitan Chords
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.
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Building Neapolitan Chords
Lower it to Bb.
Now, build a major triad. This results in BbDF.
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Thus, a Bb major chord is the Neapolitan of A Major.
Building Neapolitan Chords
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