C Prometheus Neapolitan Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C Prometheus Neapolitan Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Prometheus Neapolitan scale is a variation of Scriabin's mystic scale that adds a dark, flattened second degree. On Guitar, it contains the notes C, Db, E, F#, A, Bb. It combines the otherworldly sound of the Prometheus scale with an extra layer of exotic tension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Alexander Scriabin. Use in atonal or free composition contexts. A specialized tool for experimental music that pushes beyond standard harmony.
Notes: C, Db, E, F#, A, Bb
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4A, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 #4 5 b6
Formula: H-WH-W-WH-H-W
Number of notes: 6
How to Play C Prometheus Neapolitan on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 8 on the 6th (low E) to find your C root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position.
The C Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Prometheus Neapolitan scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 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 C to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus Neapolitan scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C Prometheus Neapolitan scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The C Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains 6 notes (C, Db, E, F#, A, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Prometheus Neapolitan
The C Prometheus Neapolitan 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.
Explore C Prometheus Neapolitan Further
- Harmonize the C Prometheus Neapolitan scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Prometheus Neapolitan on Ukulele
- C Prometheus Neapolitan on Bass
- C Prometheus Neapolitan on Piano
Explore C Prometheus Neapolitan in Other Tunings
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Prometheus Neapolitan in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)