G Prometheus Charango Scale
Charango scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
G Prometheus Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Prometheus scale was developed by the composer Alexander Scriabin as his Mystic Scale. On Charango, the notes are G, A, B, C#, E, F. 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: G, A, B, C#, E, F
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
Musical Character
Scriabin's 'Mystic Chord' turned into a scale (1, 2, 3, #4, 6, b7). Designed to reflect theosophical beliefs about spiritual transcendence — neither major nor minor, but something beyond both.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Impressionist, Experimental, Film Scores
Notable players: Alexander Scriabin, George Crumb
How to Use the G Prometheus Scale
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.
Origin & Background
Created by Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) as part of his 'Mystic Chord' harmonic system, reflecting his theosophical philosophy.
How to Play G Prometheus on Charango
Begin by locating G on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Prometheus scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The G Prometheus scale contains 1 sharp (C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the G Prometheus scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Charango Tips
Practice the G Prometheus scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 6 notes before building speed. Aim for a mystical quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The G Prometheus scale contains 6 notes (G, A, B, C#, E, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Charango with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Prometheus
The G Prometheus 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 6-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.
Explore G Prometheus Further
- Browse chord progressions
- G Prometheus on Guitar
- G Prometheus on Ukulele
- G Prometheus on Bass
- G Prometheus on Piano