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A major triad built on the lowered second scale degree, typically in first inversion (♭II6). Creates a distinctive dark, expressive color.
The Neapolitan sixth is one of the most striking chromatic chords. It typically moves to V (often through a cadential 6/4). Use it for moments of heightened drama, pathos, or yearning. The ♭II6–V–i progression is a signature of Baroque and Classical minor-key music.
Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata, first movement — Neapolitan sixth chords add depth and darkness to the C-sharp minor harmony.
Neapolitan sixth is one of 1760 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary: the words, abbreviations and instrument names that appear in printed scores, plus the vocabulary composers use to talk about them.
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