Topmusicanswers
- Why is a Neapolitan 6th called that?
- How do you identify a Neapolitan chord?
- What is a Neapolitan sixth in music?
Why is a Neapolitan 6th called that?
Origin of the name
It is called a "sixth" because the interval between the bass note and the root of the chord is a minor sixth.
How do you identify a Neapolitan chord?
How it is indicated in musical analysis: This chord is usually indicated by the letter N, and if in first inversion as N6, which is the most common usage. Some theory texts indicate this chord as bII (“flat II”). When you see the lowered 2nd scale degree in a pre-dominant chord at a cadence, it may be a Neapolitan.
What is a Neapolitan sixth in music?
The Neapolitan sixth (♭II6) ( ♭ I I 6 ) is a chromatic predominant chord. It is a major triad built on ra (↓^2) and is typically found in first inversion.
