D Prometheus Neapolitan Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
D Prometheus Neapolitan Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Prometheus Neapolitan scale is a variation of Scriabin's mystic scale that adds a dark, flattened second degree. On Piano, it contains the notes D, Eb, F#, G#, B, C. 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: D, Eb, F#, G#, B, C
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 D 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 D Prometheus Neapolitan on Piano
On piano, the D Prometheus Neapolitan scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on D and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The D Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), 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 D Prometheus Neapolitan scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-F#, Eb-G#) 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 D to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus Neapolitan scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the D Prometheus Neapolitan scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a dark-mystical quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The D Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains 6 notes (D, Eb, F#, G#, B, C). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.