B Messiaen's Mode #6 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Messiaen's Mode #6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale is a symmetrical scale associated with radiance and light. On Bass, its notes are B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A, A#. It creates a uniform coloration that transcends traditional keys, making the music sound brilliant and enlightened. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Sacred Music, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use for creating a sense of radiant, enlightened calm. Best in sustained, atmospheric contexts.
Notes: B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 #6 #7 8
Formula: W-W-H-H-W-W-H-H
Number of notes: 8
Musical Character
Associated with radiance and light in Messiaen's system — creates a uniform, brilliant coloration that transcends traditional keys.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Sacred Music, Experimental
Notable players: Olivier Messiaen
How to Use the B Messiaen's Mode #6 Scale
Use for creating a sense of radiant, enlightened calm. Best in sustained, atmospheric contexts.
Origin & Background
Used by Messiaen in his sacred music to represent divine light and spiritual illumination.
How to Play B Messiaen's Mode #6 on Bass
On bass, locate B on the A string at fret 2. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D#, C#-E) 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 B to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #6 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations. Aim for a radiant quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale contains 8 notes (B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A, A#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Messiaen's Mode #6
The B Messiaen's Mode #6 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 8-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.