How to use Neapolitan Chords in Major Keys

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How to use Neapolitan Chords in Major Keys - Music Composition

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Күн бұрын

How do you use Neapolitan chords? How does a Neapolitan sixth chord resolve? What are the best approach chords to use before a Neapolitan? This music composition lesson explains the best ways to write approach chords to Neapolitan chords and the best ways to resolve them. After explaining how to form Neapolitan chords in a major key, the resolution chords are considered before going on to consider the merits or otherwise of each of the diatonic chords as approach chords. Part writing issues are illustrated and potential traps are investigated in relation to parallel 5ths & 8ves, doubling of major 3rds, and false relations, which easily create difficulties in relation to progressions involving Neapolitan chords. A useful video for people wanting to work with chromatic chords.
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🕘 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to how to use Neapolitan chords in major keys
1:14 - Building a Neapolitan chord in a major key
2:24 - Neapolitan resolutions
4:07 - Neapolitan approach chords
6:08 - Example 1
6:57 - Example 2
7:59 - Example 3
11:43 - Example 4
13:50 - Example 5
17:04 - Example 6
18:36 - Conclusion
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Пікірлер: 111

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Learn Music Online - Check out our courses here! www.mmcourses.co.uk/courses

@marneoswald 2 жыл бұрын

is there any way to pay in SOUTH AFRICA i do not have access to pay with international banking systtem

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

@@marneoswald Hi, are you able to use Visa/Mastercard payment services? PayPal, Apple or Google pay by any chance?

@cicik57 2 жыл бұрын

dunno, i have checked the sequences and the best was is to use it just as dominant alteration like G7b9#11, in 2-5-1 turn, with bass G, resolving C#->D or H ( in C9) because other variants for example with bass F sounds worse to my taste , howewer i m checking jazzy sequences...

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

😀

@rchandos 2 жыл бұрын

These aural illustrations are great, much better than the way I learned it years ago from a book. We called it the "Neapolitan sixth." I hope you will do one on the German sixth.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it’s helpful. Yes, much better to learn through sound rather than through the single lens of a text book.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

We’ve done the Augmented 6th chords,including the German

@reubenjavierphoenix 2 жыл бұрын

As a jazz man I love the chord III approach it sounds spicy!

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@jayducharme 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the "musical health warning". :-) I had heard of Neapolitan chords but didn't understand how they were used until now. Your examples remind me of sections from many Hollywood soundtracks, especially action/adventure films.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

They are wonderful colour chords.

@alexgerlach5630 Ай бұрын

Most film music uses these chords..(chromatic)medians, neapolitan chords and so on.

@MusicMattersGB Ай бұрын

@alexgerlach5630 Absolutely

@claudedebussy1848 2 жыл бұрын

A video exploring Mendelssohn's work would be great or a course, for a future idea

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s an idea

@markcox5385 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, great video. I was taught that the standard voicing is to double the third of the Neapolitan chord as it’s the only note that isn’t altered. This also helps avoid parallel 5ths and octaves.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Much depends on the context but that certainly works in particular situations

@coldsteelprogressive 2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for the outstanding demonstration with a lot of musical wisdom given. I disagree though that the III chord followed by the Neapolitan is not desirable. That may be the case for conventional classical music, but it gives an unexpected "mystical" quality that is sometimes very desirable in either Film Music or Progressive Rock, for example. From there I imagine that you want to start to use the Neapolitan to launch into other keys or even Triadic Chromaticism.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Fair point. So much depends on musical context. III before the Neapolitan throws up some tricky voice leading issues but if you want to generate a character that exploits those then fair enough.

@rickytumpalh.tambunan1107 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for video, I really get lucky having knowledge of Neopolitan chord in major. 👍

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s great

@JazzGuitarScrapbook 2 жыл бұрын

I was asking that very question today, thanks! Edit; mind you I use them all the time in jazz, but how to use them in major keys in a common practice setting is more elusive to me.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Hopefully this video will assist with that.

@paulberry7489 2 жыл бұрын

A favourite moment, the Neapolitan sixth in the chorus of "Joy Division Oven Gloves" by Half Man Half Biscuit.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent

@evelyneduval6441 2 жыл бұрын

Very usefull, thanks!

@ephjaymusic 2 жыл бұрын

I remember in your last video on Neapolitan chords, you gave great pointers on using them for modulation. Love this video too!

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s great. Thanks

@JacarandaMusic 7 ай бұрын

Very nicely done! I’ve noticed it often appear in contexts where it suggests the uncanny - in keeping with its odd sound. In the use examples I wondered about moving from V7 3rd inversion to Nap6 (keeps the bass), Ib then whatever. Oh and I was surprised to see all the parallel 4ths at the top.

@MusicMattersGB 7 ай бұрын

It’s a great chord to use for those uncanny moments.

@thevfxwizard7758 2 жыл бұрын

I love the way the Neopolitan maj7 resolves to the 1.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Yes. Cool move

@philb4462 2 жыл бұрын

Is that possible without creating parallel fifths?

@thevfxwizard7758 2 жыл бұрын

@@philb4462 No, but I don’t care honestly. Since it’s more of a chord change than independent counterpoint, it doesn’t matter that much if the voices do not sound 100% independent.

@thevfxwizard7758 2 жыл бұрын

@@philb4462 a good example of how you have to know why the rule is there before you break it.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s the key point

@jeuxdeau2009 Ай бұрын

VERY GOOD LECTURE

@MusicMattersGB Ай бұрын

Glad it’s useful. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

@philb4462 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video. Way better than the explanation I got when I was doing music A-level 30 years ago. Thank you. I have a quick question for you if I may. What software do you use to get your keyboard at the bottom of the screen showing the notes you are playing?

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It’s called Synthesia.

@rhitccdsccs3946 2 жыл бұрын

Here is where I ended my theory studies in college, after four semesters of study. I just had enough. Maybe now, I can revisit and dive into the concept.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Go for it. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzfaq.info/love/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

@robhummel4379 2 жыл бұрын

Thx! Never tried the I-C preceding the V. Sounds nice.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

It works well

@gwendolynkaren5933 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly.💪🙏

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzfaq.info/love/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

@enterrupt 2 жыл бұрын

You've given us a wonderful breakdown of diatonic approaches to the Neapolitan chord! Thank you for such consistently great content Mr. Green. Another way I like to approach Neapolitan chords is to tonicize the N6 chord with either a secondary dominant or secondary vii chord. i.e. V7/N -> N ii/N -> V7/N -> N vii dim/N -> N Another poster noticed the chromatic medient movement from the IV chord to N and I really like that sound as well!

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s great

@RandyBakkelund 2 жыл бұрын

I already knew how to use Neapolitan chords, but now i have a couple other ideas of how to use them in my arsenal.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent

@martinbennett2228 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I enjoyed that. One possibility I have noticed is to turn the Neapolitan into a 7th cord. Perhaps this could be used to colour a plagal cadence: F maj, Db7, C maj with a top line C, B, C?

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

There are certainly imaginative ways to use the Neapolitan.

@jacekj9943 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea to add some colour to that. I've tried this: Fmaj, Db6, Csus2. I don't know if it make any sens but sound interesting to me ;)

@martinbennett2228 2 жыл бұрын

@@jacekj9943 If I have understood that the Db and C have to be in 2nd inversion.

@JackStevenson5045 2 жыл бұрын

Another excellent lesson.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

@Dave-nm8uk Жыл бұрын

This is as usual really good, but sometimes I actually want to do some of the progressions which you have dubbed as "less smooth". Surely it depends on what kind or style of music one is trying to create. It perhaps also makes a difference if one is writing for choirs or instruments, and the relative skills of the respective performers. This video is still a very good one for reference though - thanks.

@MusicMattersGB Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Everything depends on context. If it sounds good go for it!

@Dave-nm8uk Жыл бұрын

@@MusicMattersGB I agree - but do have a slight concern. For passing exams or certain kinds of writing, then the rules/guidelines are helpful, but one also ought to have some awareness of context. Your video is very good as it shows several possibilities, but I don't dislike all the ones which are put on one side - and they could perhaps be exploited sometimes. Knowing the options is a good thing though.

@MusicMattersGB Жыл бұрын

Absolutely re context. I’m giving the safest examples because there will be plenty of viewers taking exams.

@danieleoduro3829 2 жыл бұрын

Subscribed!

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome!

@bobcosmic 2 жыл бұрын

Here we are once again but now we are in Naples ! 😃

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

😀

@trevorcollins25 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, as usual!! Love Neapolitan chords. And don’t some composers sometimes use these chromatic function chords as pivot chords for modulations? Also, I’ve watched your video about practicing an instrument, and I have a quick question. I’ve actually been composing classical style music for over a decade. (I’m self-taught theory, but fairly versed in it. I’ve composes chamber music, concertos, symphonies, fugues, etc…) But I’ve never played an instrument. I FINALLY was able to get a good keyboard (MODX8) in December, and am self-teaching myself. (I can already play a few pieces, but I still have a LONG ways to go.) Anyways, I’ve heard there 2 MAIN books instructors use and 2 more less common ones to help students develop their playing. The 2 MAIN ones are Hanon and Czerny and the other 2 are Beyer and Burgmüller. I have all the Hanon, Czerny’s Op. 599, Burgmüller’s 25 progressive pieces, and Beyer’s Op. 101. Which of these do you recommend more? Again, I compose, so I’m starting from ground zero. I’m looking for something that helps develop my playing. Just curious on your take? (At least so far I have to say that I’m enjoying Czerny more.) Thanks!! And again, great job with the video!! Enjoyed it!!

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your positive comments. Of those I would go for Hanon as a technical base but the others are more tuneful! Enjoy.

@sweetiekjj Жыл бұрын

What if the second degree is already lowered, based on the key that you are in? In building the N6 that is.

@MusicMattersGB Жыл бұрын

You’ll always need to lower the second degree regardless of the major or minor scale.

@LesterBrunt 2 жыл бұрын

The Neapolitan chord has a dangerous fifth since de flattened root and flattened fifth want to descend and that would result in a parallel fifth.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

You certainly have to be aware of that issue.

@briancollins1475 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. It's a very helpful reminder of how I might use a Neapolitan. I was a little confused by the example (4) of approaching from the IV. Is there a reason that the top line is an F? That seems to have a tripled root and needs a melodic leap down. Would it be better to start with a C in the soprano line, which means (1) stepwise movement in all parts; (2) contrary motion; (3) a fuller chord with a fifth and not a tripled root. Have I missed something?

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s great. You’ve not particularly missed anything about example 4 but it’s perfectly possible to use a chord with a triple root, especially when the example provides strong multiple common notes in the same parts between the IV and the Neapolitan.

@dimiaraujo90 Жыл бұрын

Isn't the Neapolitan chord the exact same thing as a Tritone substitution of the Vdom7 ??

@MusicMattersGB Жыл бұрын

Not quite because it doesn’t contain the 7th but it’s not far away.

@StephenB_LE9 2 жыл бұрын

HI Gareth - a very helpful video; like many I had learnt what a Neopolitan chord was, but could struggled to put it into practice. This helps. One follow-up question if I may - can one use 7t chords to avoid the tritone leaps? e.g V7- bII7b - I7c - V (or V7)? Thanks

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s certainly possible even though it’s an unconventional resolution of the V7. IV or IIb might be smoother approach chords.

@DJCybertsai 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this great video. Always wondered how the Neapolitans work. Quick question is it the same for minor keys?

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely the same. Thanks

@bdellovibrioo5242 2 жыл бұрын

I particularly liked going to the Neapolitan from chord IV. Before I studied music theory I enjoyed playing around with the major triads whose roots are separated by a major third. IV -> Nea looks like another example of that, and makes me wonder: Was the Neapolitan chord a historical catalyst for moving toward more chromatic harmonic motion?

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a good idea to play around with. Certainly it’s what we call a chromatic chord so it adds colour to the key by using notes that don’t belong to the key.

@enterrupt 2 жыл бұрын

Chord movement between chords with roots a third apart are some of my favorite chromatic sounds!

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

😀

@AtomizedSound 2 жыл бұрын

So I guess using the diminished seventh as an approach chord wouldn’t work well? It would have one common note with the Neapolitan.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

It’s possible but it’s not a great resolution of the diminished 7th therefore not the most obvious progression.

@juanibiapina 8 ай бұрын

I can't hear the dominants in the examples around 3:10 without the tonic 😭😂 the example just sounds kind of blurry to me

@MusicMattersGB 8 ай бұрын

It’s useful to get used to the sound of the progression. Listen especially to the bass line.

@bdellovibrioo5242 2 жыл бұрын

Is the tonicization of the Neapolitan something that is commonly attempted? I am still pretty new to music theory but that sounds like a potentially interesting idea.

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

It’s certainly one of the options

@James-io8lj 2 жыл бұрын

I think demonstrating the use of first inversion in 2) you loaded the dice by playing tenor C virtually alone. I strill think re doubled thirds you misquote the rule. Its avoid doubling thirds if possible in Primary Triads. 4th degree welcomes doubling

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Chord IV is a primary triad.

@James-io8lj 2 жыл бұрын

@@MusicMattersGB Yes the 3rd of N6. In C major C, F and G most gravitate towards doubling. F is also the degree that abides with 'dont double the chromatic note'

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

@@James-io8lj F is diatonic in C major not chromatic

@James-io8lj 2 жыл бұрын

@@MusicMattersGB Thats what i meant. Therefore the favourite note to double in N6 in the major

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

@@James-io8lj 😀

@paulstafford3422 2 жыл бұрын

Does Dvorak use a neopolitan chord at the start of his 9th symphony second movement?

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Yes. That second chord is a Neapolitan

@paulstafford3422 2 жыл бұрын

@@MusicMattersGB many thanks. A video analysing why the opening to this movement is so satisfying would be amazing!

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Okay. Will try to cover that in future

@Faune13 2 жыл бұрын

why not presenting this chord from the minor scale ? why not underlining the fact that the second inversion of the c major chord is actually a double delay of the g major chord ? etc..

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

Yes. It will work in the minor scale - the subject of another video.

@Faune13 2 жыл бұрын

@@MusicMattersGB I believe that it comes more naturally from the minor one

@MusicMattersGB 2 жыл бұрын

@@Faune13 I think it works in both major and minor contexts. It’s more about how and where it’s used in the musical context.