D Prometheus Guitar Scale — 8-string
Guitar scale in 8-string tuning — fretboard diagram
D Prometheus in 8-string — Notes and Intervals
The D Prometheus scale was developed by the composer Alexander Scriabin as his Mystic Scale. On Guitar, the notes are D, E, F#, G#, B, C. 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: D, E, F#, G#, B, C
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
Tuning: 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
About 8-string Tuning
The 8-string guitar adds both a low B and a low F# string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E), pushing the instrument's range almost into bass guitar territory. This massive tonal range has become the weapon of choice for djent, progressive metal, and experimental composers who need bone-crushing low-end and soaring highs in a single instrument.
With artists like Tosin Abasi, Meshuggah, and After the Burial leading the charge, the 8-string guitar has redefined what's possible in modern heavy music. The low F# string delivers subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest, while the upper strings maintain standard guitar voicings for leads and clean passages. Extended-range compositions often exploit the full span of the instrument, creating a wall of sound that covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitar roles simultaneously.
Notable artists: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, After the Burial, Intervals, Monuments
Best for: Djent polyrhythms, extended-range metal riffs, experimental compositions, and one-instrument arrangements spanning bass to lead
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Prometheus in Standard Tuning
- D Prometheus in Drop D
- D Prometheus in DADGAD
- D Prometheus in Open G
- D Prometheus in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Prometheus in 7-string
- D Prometheus in Drop C
- D Prometheus in Drop B
- D Prometheus in Open D
- D Prometheus in Half Step Down
- D Prometheus in Open E
- D Prometheus in Open A
- D Prometheus in Double Drop D
- D Prometheus in Open C