A Scriabin Tres Cubano Scale
Tres Cubano scale — fretboard diagram
A Scriabin Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Scriabin scale is a synthetic six-note scale that reflects Alexander Scriabin's interest in creating a new harmonic language. On Tres Cubano, its notes are A, Bb, C#, E, F#. It acts as a bridge between different symmetrical worlds, offering a unique, hovering sound. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental. Notable players include Alexander Scriabin. Use in experimental and avant-garde contexts. Not designed for standard chord-scale theory.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: H-WH-WH-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
How to Play A Scriabin on Tres Cubano
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Scriabin scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Scriabin 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 A Scriabin scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A-C#, Bb-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in A. Try a A5 - E5 - F#5 progression.
Tres Cubano Tips
Practice the A Scriabin scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed.
The A Scriabin scale contains 5 notes (A, Bb, C#, E, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Tres Cubano with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Scriabin
The A Scriabin scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.