neapolitan sixth
Very low (Technical jargon)Technical/Formal
Definition
Meaning
A specific chord used in harmonic analysis, characterized by a major triad in first inversion with a flattened supertonic (the second degree lowered by a half step) in the bass.
In music theory, a pre-dominant harmonic function chord, often preceding a dominant chord (like V or V7) in a cadence. It creates a distinctive, somewhat 'dark' or 'soft' sound due to the flattened sixth scale degree (in major keys) or the use of the minor subdominant chord in first inversion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is exclusive to the technical vocabulary of Western classical music theory and analysis. It is not used metaphorically in general language. The 'sixth' refers to the chord's first inversion interval above the bass.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning or application. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard national conventions for the component words.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with identical, specialist frequency in music academia globally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The Neapolitan sixth resolves to [chord, e.g., V or V7].A Neapolitan sixth is often preceded by [chord, e.g., iv or ii°6].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used exclusively in musicology, music theory textbooks, and analysis papers.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term for harmonic analysis in tonal music of the Common Practice period (c. 1600-1900).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Neapolitan-sixth function is clear in this progression.
American English
- The Neapolitan-sixth sonority provides a poignant colour.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The composer used a special chord called a Neapolitan sixth before the final cadence.
- In the development section, a dramatic Neapolitan sixth effectively heightens the tension before the recapitulation.
- The analyst noted that Schubert's use of the Neapolitan sixth in the song cycle often coincides with moments of existential yearning, subverting its traditional pre-dominant role.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NEAPolitan ice cream with three flavours (like a triad). The SIXTH flavour (the bass note) is always the flattened, chocolate one (bII), sitting at the bottom of the stack.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY AS SPACE/CONTAINER (The chord is a 'container' with a specific 'position'—first inversion—and a 'coloured' element—the flattened note).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'Neapolitan' literally as 'неаполитанский' in isolation; the full term 'неаполитанский секстаккорд' is the fixed equivalent. The 'sixth' does not refer to the number of notes but to the interval structure.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'Neapolitan' as /ˈnɛpəlɪtən/ (like 'nap').
- Confusing it with an 'augmented sixth' chord, which has a different function and sound.
- Using it to describe any chord with a flattened second.
- Misspelling as 'Napoleon sixth'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most typical resolution of a Neapolitan sixth chord?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used in both major and minor keys, though it is more common in minor. In major keys, it introduces a borrowed note from the parallel minor.
The term originates from 18th-century music theory, associated with composers and pedagogues from the Naples region (like Alessandro Scarlatti) who used this harmonic device prominently.
They refer to the same chord. 'N6' is the traditional functional label, while '♭II6' is a more literal Roman numeral description indicating a major triad on the flattened second scale degree, in first inversion.
Technically, a 'Neapolitan sixth' specifically denotes the first-inversion form (with the third in the bass). The root-position chord (♭II) is simply called a Neapolitan chord, but it is far less common in Common Practice period music.