Neapolitan Chord in a Major Key (I bII V I)
The Neapolitan in major is the chord progression I-bII-V-I. In the key of C major it is C Db G C, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1 b2 5 1.
It is also known as bII chord.
Chords from outside the key of C major: Db.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
The same bII chord is dropped into a major key, usually in root position, where it sounds even more foreign. It leans on the tonic from a half step above and then falls to V, so it works as a surprise pre-dominant. Rock and pop use it without classical voice leading, as a sudden side step.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do You Want to Know a Secret | The Beatles | intro into the verse | G F B7 E | E major |
Neapolitan Chord in a Major Key: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- German sixth approach: Ab7 G7 Cm
- Omnibus progression: G7 Bb7/Ab Dm/A Bb7 G7/B C
- Stomp progression: F7 F#dim7 / C7/G C7 / F7 F#dim7 / C7/G C7 / F7 F#dim7 / C7/G A7 / D7 / G7 C7
- Half cadence: F G
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the Neapolitan in major in each key?
In C major: C Db G C. In G major: G Ab D G. In D major: D Eb A D. In A major: A Bb E A. In E major: E F B E.
Which songs use the Neapolitan in major?
Songs that use it include Do You Want to Know a Secret by The Beatles.
