A messiaen's mode #4 scale diatonic chords
A messiaen's mode #4 scale seventh chords
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 B unknown, Bb unknown, B unknown, E unknown, F unknown, E unknown, F unknown, Bb unknown. 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: B unknown, Bb unknown, B unknown, E unknown, F unknown, E unknown, F unknown, Bb unknown.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | B unknown |
| ii | Bb unknown |
| iii | B unknown |
| IV | E unknown |
| V | F unknown |
| vi | E unknown |
| vii° | F unknown |
| 8 | Bb unknown |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (B unknown) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Bb unknown) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (B unknown) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (E unknown) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (F unknown) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (E unknown) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (F unknown) 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.