D Prometheus Neapolitan Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
D Prometheus Neapolitan Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Prometheus Neapolitan scale is a variation of Scriabin's mystic scale that adds a dark, flattened second degree. On Mandolin, it contains the notes D, Eb, F#, G#, B, C. 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: D, Eb, F#, G#, B, C
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
Musical Character
Adds a b2 to Scriabin's Prometheus scale — layering exotic Neapolitan darkness over mystic transcendence.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Alexander Scriabin
How to Use the D Prometheus Neapolitan Scale
Use in atonal or free composition contexts. A specialized tool for experimental music that pushes beyond standard harmony.
Origin & Background
A variation of Scriabin's Prometheus scale incorporating the Neapolitan b2 for additional exotic tension.
How to Play D Prometheus Neapolitan on Mandolin
Begin by locating D on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Prometheus Neapolitan scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The D Prometheus Neapolitan 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
Practice the D Prometheus Neapolitan scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 6 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus Neapolitan scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in avant-garde contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the D Prometheus Neapolitan scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 6 notes before building speed. Aim for a dark-mystical quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The D Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains 6 notes (D, Eb, F#, G#, B, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Prometheus Neapolitan
The D Prometheus Neapolitan 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 D Prometheus Neapolitan Further
- Browse chord progressions
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