What is the C 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

C Prometheus

Mystical
C 1
D 2
E 3
Gb 4
A 5
Bb 6
Notes:
C -D -E -Gb -A -Bb
Intervals:
WWWAH W

Keyboard Visualization

How to Play C Prometheus on Piano

Scale Properties

Mood

Mystical

Character

Scriabin, whole tone variant

Genres

Classical, Ambient

Notes in Scale

6 notes: C, D, E, Gb, A, Bb

Category

Exotic

Intervals

W-W-W-3H-H-W

History 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 C 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 C Prometheus

  • Prometheus: The Poem of Fire - Scriabin
  • Late Scriabin piano works
  • Modern mystical compositions

Playing Tips

How to Practice the C 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

C in the Circle of Fifths

CGDAEBGbDbAbEbBbFAmEmBmGbmC#mG#mD#mBbmFmCmGmDmCminor
Major
Minor
Selected

Transpose to Other Keys

Prometheus Scale in All 12 Keys

Related Scales

Similar Scales in the Key of C

Scale Diagram

C Prometheus Keyboard Diagram

C Prometheus scale shown on piano keyboard with notes C, D, E, Gb, A, Bb highlighted