What is a Neapolitan Chord?

A Neapolitan chord is a major chord built on the lowered second scale degree (♭2) of a key. It is most commonly used in first inversion, meaning the third of the chord is placed in the bass. Because of this, it is often referred to as the Neapolitan sixth chord (N6).

For example, in the key of C minor, the second scale degree is D. When lowered by a half step, it becomes D♭. The Neapolitan chord is therefore D♭–F–A♭, a D♭ major chord. When used in first inversion, the bass note is F, producing the typical N6 sound.

The Neapolitan chord is often used as a pre-dominant chord, meaning it usually leads to the dominant chord (V) before resolving to the tonic. It became especially popular in Baroque, Classical, and Romantic music, where composers used it to create dramatic harmonic tension and expressive color before a strong resolution.