THEORY HELPERA Prometheus Scale
Scriabin, whole tone variant
What is the A Prometheus Scale?
The Prometheus scale (also called Scriabin's Mystic Chord as a scale) is a whole-tone scale variant created by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. It produces a mystical, otherworldly quality central to his late works.
Interval Pattern: W-W-W-3H-H-W
Scale Notes and Intervals
A Prometheus
MysticalA 1
B 2
C# 3
Eb 4
F# 5
G 6
Notes:
A -B -C# -Eb -F# -G
Intervals:
WWWAH W
Keyboard Visualization
How to Play A Prometheus on Piano
Scale Properties
Mood
MysticalCharacter
Scriabin, whole tone variantGenres
Classical, AmbientNotes in Scale
6 notes: A, B, C#, Eb, F#, GCategory
ExoticIntervals
W-W-W-3H-H-WHistory and Origins
The Background of the Prometheus Scale
Created by Alexander Scriabin for his "Prometheus: The Poem of Fire" (1910). Scriabin associated this scale with mystical concepts, synesthesia (seeing colors with music), and spiritual transcendence.
Musical Characteristics
Key Features of the A Prometheus Scale
- Six-note whole tone variant
- Scriabin's mystic sound
- Associated with synesthesia
- Creates otherworldly atmosphere
Famous Songs Using This Scale
Popular Tracks in A Prometheus
- Prometheus: The Poem of Fire - Scriabin
- Late Scriabin piano works
- Modern mystical compositions
Playing Tips
How to Practice the A Prometheus Scale
Think of it as a modified whole tone scale. The tritone and major 9th are important colors. Use for creating transcendent, mystical atmospheres. Perfect for ambient and new age contexts.
Circle of Fifths Position
A in the Circle of Fifths
Major
Minor
Selected