E Prometheus Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
E Prometheus in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The E Prometheus scale was developed by the composer Alexander Scriabin as his Mystic Scale. On Guitar, the notes are E, F#, G#, A#, C#, D. 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: E, F#, G#, A#, C#, D
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
Tuning: Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
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.