E Prometheus Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
E Prometheus Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Prometheus scale was developed by the composer Alexander Scriabin as his Mystic Scale. On Bass, the notes are E, F#, G#, A#, C#, D. It is a synthetic hexatonic system designed to reflect his theosophical beliefs and reveal spiritual truths that exist beyond human conceptualization. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Impressionist, Experimental, Film Scores. Notable players include Alexander Scriabin, George Crumb. Use over the Mystic Chord (C-F#-Bb-E-A-D) and its inversions. Also works over 7#11 chords as a sophisticated alternative to Lydian Dominant.
Notes: E, F#, G#, A#, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 b6
Formula: W-W-W-WH-H-W
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Scriabin's 'Mystic Chord' turned into a scale (1, 2, 3, #4, 6, b7). Designed to reflect theosophical beliefs about spiritual transcendence — neither major nor minor, but something beyond both.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Impressionist, Experimental, Film Scores
Notable players: Alexander Scriabin, George Crumb
How to Use the E Prometheus Scale
Use over the Mystic Chord (C-F#-Bb-E-A-D) and its inversions. Also works over 7#11 chords as a sophisticated alternative to Lydian Dominant.
Origin & Background
Created by Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) as part of his 'Mystic Chord' harmonic system, reflecting his theosophical philosophy.
How to Play E Prometheus on Bass
On bass, locate E on the E string at fret 0. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The E Prometheus scale contains 4 sharps (F#, G#, A#, C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the E Prometheus scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 6 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the E Prometheus scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations. Aim for a mystical quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The E Prometheus scale contains 6 notes (E, F#, G#, A#, C#, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Prometheus
The E Prometheus scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.