Neapolitan Sixth Chords

Table of Contents

Rhythm
Intervals
Key and Scale
Triads and key
Seventh Chords
Non-harm. tones
Roman num/
fig bass 1
Dom-tonic function
Secondary dom
Modulation
Aug 6th Chords
Neap 6th Chords

Section 2:

Borrowed chords
Mediants
Special uses of dim 7
Chromatic non-H tones
Roman num/
figured bass 2

Section 3:

Set theory
Rhythm/ form
12- tone
Polyrhythm
Metric modulation
Meter

Section 4:

Basic Assumptions
Motive, Phrase and Period
Cadence
Binary form
Ternary form
Rounded binary form
Sonata form
Rondo form
Theme and variation
Dance forms

Section 5:

Basic assumptions
and procedures
Harmony
Form and rhythm
Melody
Timbre

Section 6: Bibliography

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neapolitan sixth chords

Basic Concepts:

1. The Neapolitan chord is a major triad built on the flat ii scale degree of the prevailing key. This means that in G major, the Neapolitan chord is an A flat major triad.

2. Conventionally, the triad is in the first inversion, hence the 'sixth.' Therefore, in G major, the bass note of the A flat major triad usually is C.

3. The function of the N6 is similar to that of the ii chord in that it proceeds to V (sometimes directly, often passing through other chords first). The use of the flat ii intensifies the harmonic progression: flat ii is a tritone away from V. Therefore, the function of the N6 is to intensify the motion to the dominant.

4. The standard Roman numeral character for the Neapolitan chord is N. If the chord is in first inversion, then N6.

For more specific treatment of the linear nature and the history and usage, please see the instructional paper.