B Neapolitan minor Scale
B Neapolitan minor contains 7 notes: B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A♯. It has 2 sharps: F♯, A♯. The step pattern is H–W–W–W–H–W+H–H.
A dark, deeply operatic scale that combines the Neapolitan b2 with harmonic minor's raised 7th. Maximum darkness in the lower half meets a strong leading tone at the top, creating intensely dramatic, emotional music. Think the most heart-wrenching moments in Italian opera.
The formula is 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, 7. Essentially harmonic minor with a b2 instead of a natural 2nd, it packs b2, b3, and b6 into the lower half for maximum darkness while the natural 7th provides strong V-I cadential pull. The augmented 2nd between b6 and 7 (shared with harmonic minor) adds exotic drama. It naturally enables the Neapolitan chord (bII) in a minor context.
The b2-to-root resolution gives an unmistakable Spanish or Italian tension on the low strings. It fits well over min(maj7) chords and works brilliantly for writing intense metal leads or operatic solos. Try it over a Cm(maj7) to Fm7 vamp for its full dramatic effect.