Neapolitan Chords

Music theory students, here's discussion about the Neapolitan Sixth Chord. Information provided by David Gomez, music theory professor.

If you'd like personalized instruction on any of the course topics, feel free to reach out. I am currently offering Zoom lessons now.

[SomeFreakingCactus]

Why is it that I can spend an hour worth of my music theory class, and understand the topic better watching a video on the internet describing it better in almost 1/10th of the time?

[NlCK]

How I learned to show a cadential 6 4 is by writing I 6 4 then V (Or V7) then to bracket them both and label it as V or V7. This shows that it is actually a I in second inversion but shows it has the function of the dominant. Also, the Neapolitian is major, (b II 6 instead of b ii 6)

[DrConna]

I don't think the flat second scale degree (Db here) can resolve up to E because that's an augmented second and pretty sure that's considered bad voice leading

[NlCK]

The bD (ra) will always want to resolve to the B (ti). If you are using a cadential 6 4, the bD (ra) will go to the C (do), then get to the B (ti)

[InMusicTheory]

Yes it's really a I 6 4 chord, but if you take a look at Schacter's text on harmony (my professor in college) he refers to these chords as V 6 4 since they truly behave as dominant chords and not tonic. But yes, they really are I chords by nature, but are heard as V chords.

[InMusicTheory]

Sorry to take some time to respond. Thanks for the interest! The chords following are a I chord in 2nd inversion, leading to a V chord, leading to I. Also known as a Cadential 6/4. Good way to complete a progression.

[ProfssrBrando]

Please keep in mind that I'm not bashing or anything of the sort, rather I am merely offering an additional perspective. Keep spreading the information, sir!

[jocomend]

Max Reger in his theory of modulation, mentions constantly mentions the chord, which is a Db triad in first inversion, I wonder why you didn't, since it's used so much like this.

[InMusicTheory]

David, yes it's really a I 64 chord, but if you take a look at Schacter's text on harmony (my professor in college) he refers to these chords as V 64 since they truly behave as precursors to dominant chords and not tonic. But yes, they really are I chords by nature, but are heard as V chords.

[francsiscog]

You labled the chord bii6, but would it not be bII6?

[marcabrate]

some people do label a cadential 6 4 progression as V 6 4 with lines going from the 6 to a 5 and then from the 4 to a 3. This would mean that a 6th and a 4th appear above the lowest note (G C E) and then a 5th and a 3rd (G B D). I was told that in baroque music the roman numeral were not there so you would just look an the lowest note and add the intervals that were written below. Things get funny when you add roman numerals. just another one of those fun things to argue about.

[InMusicTheory]

You are right! They typically appear in minor. Thanks for viewing!

[jkl.guitar]

That roman numeral should be bII6 not (bii6)

[OakRidgePunk]

You may be smart, but I appreciate a good Treble Clef

[JubJubtheWonderHippo]

Thanks so much for this video. I have a theory test in the morning, and my head is full of Ger 6 5 chords and Fr 4 3 chords, and the Neopolitan seems so long ago! But this quick reminder will get me through that section. Hopefully the analysis isn't too hard, since we're starting to touch on atonality, and honestly that stuff scares me.

[tonylancer]

Can you please explain why this chord works in Lionel Richie's "Hello"?

[owencatterall]

Hi David great lesson. Really cleared up my understanding of this. I've a quick question. Your chord V 6 4 after the Neopolitan to me would be read as a 2nd inversion chord V but you have put in a 2nd inversion chord I. Am I misunderstanding the use of figured bass? Also could it be a difference between US and European schooling. Help would be great. Thanks.

[JubJubtheWonderHippo]

It might be a I by spelling, but I believe it still acts as dominant.

[InMusicTheory]

Ugh! Thanks for pointing out! I make sure my students get the spelling too! Sorry for the silly mixup. Not taken. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[DanielOrtiz-riuh]

Wouldn't the correct term be N6 since in most cases the neopolitan Chord is in first inversion, and when moving the voices in SATB wouldn't the bass note always be doubled and where the bass moves you would want contrary motion in the other voices?