C Prometheus Neapolitan Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
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 Piano, 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
Musical Character
Adds a b2 to Scriabin's Prometheus scale — layering exotic Neapolitan darkness over mystic transcendence.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Alexander Scriabin
How to Use the C Prometheus Neapolitan Scale
Use in atonal or free composition contexts. A specialized tool for experimental music that pushes beyond standard harmony.
Origin & Background
A variation of Scriabin's Prometheus scale incorporating the Neapolitan b2 for additional exotic tension.
How to Play C Prometheus Neapolitan on Piano
On piano, the C Prometheus Neapolitan scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on C and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
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
Begin by playing the C Prometheus Neapolitan scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C-E, Db-F#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus Neapolitan scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the C Prometheus Neapolitan scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a dark-mystical quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains 6 notes (C, Db, E, F#, A, Bb). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.