scale
Fretboard diagram
A messiaen's mode #4 scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the A messiaen's mode #4 scale produces a disorienting chord family designed to eliminate the listener's sense of tonal direction. The chords of A messiaen's mode #4 are A (1-2-♭5), Bb (1-3-♭5), B (1-3-♭5), D (1-2-♭5), D# (1-2-♭5), E (1-3-♭5), F (1-3-♭5), G# (1-2-♭5). Messiaen called this the charm of impossibilities. The chord movements feel endlessly circular, creating spiritual wonder and a sense of infinite harmonic space. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen.
The A messiaen's mode #4 scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 2 4 ♯4 5 ♭6 7.
Intervals: H-H-3H-H-H-H-3H-H.
Diatonic chords: A (1-2-♭5), Bb (1-3-♭5), B (1-3-♭5), D (1-2-♭5), D# (1-2-♭5), E (1-3-♭5), F (1-3-♭5), G# (1-2-♭5).
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | A (1-2-♭5) |
| ii | Bb (1-3-♭5) |
| iii | B (1-3-♭5) |
| IV | D (1-2-♭5) |
| V | D# (1-2-♭5) |
| vi | E (1-3-♭5) |
| vii° | F (1-3-♭5) |
| 8 | G# (1-2-♭5) |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (A (1-2-♭5)) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Bb (1-3-♭5)) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (B (1-3-♭5)) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (D (1-2-♭5)) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (D# (1-2-♭5)) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (E (1-3-♭5)) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (F (1-3-♭5)) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A messiaen's mode #4 scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A messiaen's mode #4 scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use for avant-garde composition and film scoring where traditional tonal direction should dissolve.