A messiaen's mode #7 scale diatonic chords
A messiaen's mode #7 scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
A messiaen's mode #7 scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized A messiaen's mode #7 scale produces a near-chromatic chord family that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical chord systems. The chords from A messiaen's mode #7 are B minor seventh, C minor seventh, B unknown, C unknown, D unknown, F minor seventh, F# minor seventh, F unknown, F# unknown, G# unknown. With maximum harmonic density, these chords represent the full spectrum of tonal possibility. They are used in Messiaen's music to express divine authority and the vast, complex forces of the universe. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen.
The A messiaen's mode #7 scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 2 ♭3 4 ♯4 5 ♭6 6 7.
Intervals: H-H-H-W-H-H-H-H-W-H.
Diatonic chords: B minor seventh, C minor seventh, B unknown, C unknown, D unknown, F minor seventh, F# minor seventh, F unknown, F# unknown, G# unknown.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | B minor seventh |
| ii | C minor seventh |
| iii | B unknown |
| IV | C unknown |
| V | D unknown |
| vi | F minor seventh |
| vii° | F# minor seventh |
| 8 | F unknown |
| 9 | F# unknown |
| 10 | G# unknown |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (B minor seventh) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (C minor seventh) 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 (C unknown) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (D unknown) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (F minor seventh) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (F# minor seventh) 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 #7 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 #7 scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use in complex, multi-layered compositions. Its near-chromatic density provides maximum harmonic flexibility.