A Scriabin Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
A Scriabin in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The A Scriabin scale is a synthetic six-note scale that reflects Alexander Scriabin's interest in creating a new harmonic language. On Guitar, its notes are A, Bb, C#, E, F#. It acts as a bridge between different symmetrical worlds, offering a unique, hovering sound. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental. Notable players include Alexander Scriabin. Use in experimental and avant-garde contexts. Not designed for standard chord-scale theory.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: H-WH-WH-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
A bridge between different symmetrical scale worlds — creating a hovering, searching quality that refuses to settle.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A Scriabin in Standard Tuning
- A Scriabin in Drop D
- A Scriabin in DADGAD
- A Scriabin in Open G
- A Scriabin in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Scriabin in 7-string
- A Scriabin in 8-string
- A Scriabin in Drop C
- A Scriabin in Drop B
- A Scriabin in Open D
- A Scriabin in Half Step Down
- A Scriabin in Open E
- A Scriabin in Open A
- A Scriabin in Double Drop D