D# Prometheus Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Prometheus in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The D# Prometheus scale was developed by the composer Alexander Scriabin as his Mystic Scale. On Guitar, the notes are D#, F, G, A, C, 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#, F, G, A, C, 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: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
About Open D Tuning
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) produces a full D major chord when strummed open, creating a warm, resonant sound that has been a staple of slide guitar, folk, and acoustic music for over a century. The three D strings create a deep, droning foundation that makes even simple chord shapes sound lush and full.
Open D is closely related to Open E (same intervals, just a whole step lower) but puts less tension on the guitar neck, making it safer for acoustic instruments. It was a favorite of Joni Mitchell, who used it extensively for her unique chord voicings, and Bob Dylan, who popularized it in folk-rock. For slide players, Open D provides the same intuitive major-chord-at-any-fret approach as Open G but with a warmer, deeper character.
Notable artists: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bruce Cockburn, Elmore James
Best for: Slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, singer-songwriter arrangements, and acoustic compositions with rich open-string resonance
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 8-string
- D# Prometheus in Drop C
- D# Prometheus in Drop B
- 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