Neapolitan Chord

Also known as: Neapolitan sixth, Neapolitan

A major triad build on the lowered 2nd scale degree

Notated as: ♭II6, N6 (for its most common inversion)

Commonly occurs in: first inversion, sometimes in root position, only rarely in second inversion

Harmonic function: predominant

Preceded by:

Progresses to: V, I$${}^6_4$$-V, V/V (and other forms of supertonic harmony), occasionally to I, V/IV

Doubling: When voice leading the N6, the 3rd is doubled

Voice-leading:The root of the Neapolitan chord usually resolves down to the leading tone in the scale. However, when resolving to a I$${}^6_4$$ or i$${}^6_4$$, the root of the Neapolitan chord resolves down to the tonic of the scale.