E Prometheus Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
E Prometheus Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Prometheus scale was developed by the composer Alexander Scriabin as his Mystic Scale. On Piano, 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 Piano
On piano, the E Prometheus scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
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
Begin by playing the E Prometheus scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-G#, F#-A#) 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 E to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the E Prometheus 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 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 piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.