C# Prometheus Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C# Prometheus Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Prometheus scale was developed by the composer Alexander Scriabin as his Mystic Scale. On Guitar, the notes are C#, D#, F, G, A#, B. 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: C#, D#, F, G, A#, B
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
How to Play C# Prometheus on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 9 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 4th fret on the A string.
The C# Prometheus scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the C# Prometheus scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the C# Prometheus scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications.
The C# Prometheus scale contains 6 notes (C#, D#, F, G, A#, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Prometheus
The C# 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.
Explore C# Prometheus Further
- Harmonize the C# Prometheus scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Prometheus on Ukulele
- C# Prometheus on Bass
- C# Prometheus on Piano
Explore C# Prometheus in Other Tunings
- C# Prometheus in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Prometheus in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Prometheus in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Prometheus in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Prometheus in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Prometheus in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Prometheus in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Prometheus in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Prometheus in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Prometheus in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Prometheus in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Prometheus in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Prometheus in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Prometheus in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)