E Prometheus Neapolitan Guitar Scale — Open D

Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram

E Prometheus Neapolitan in Open D — Notes and Intervals

The E Prometheus Neapolitan scale is a variation of Scriabin's mystic scale that adds a dark, flattened second degree. On Guitar, it contains the notes E, F, G#, A#, C#, D. 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: E, F, G#, A#, C#, D

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

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.

FolkBluesSlide GuitarAcousticSinger-SongwriterCountry

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

← All Guitar scales in Open D tuning