E Prometheus Neapolitan Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
E Prometheus Neapolitan Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Prometheus Neapolitan scale is a variation of Scriabin's mystic scale that adds a dark, flattened second degree. On Mandolin, it contains the notes E, F, G#, A#, C#, D. 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: E, F, G#, A#, C#, D
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 E 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 E Prometheus Neapolitan on Mandolin
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Prometheus Neapolitan scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains 3 sharps (G#, A#, C#). 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 E Prometheus Neapolitan scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-G#, F-A#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Prometheus Neapolitan scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the E 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 E Prometheus Neapolitan scale contains 6 notes (E, F, G#, A#, C#, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Prometheus Neapolitan
The E 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 E Prometheus Neapolitan Further
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