scale
Fretboard diagram
G messiaen's mode #3 scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized G messiaen's mode #3 scale generates a cosmic chord family from Messiaen's symmetrical system. The chords from G messiaen's mode #3 are G diminished, B minor seventh, Bb (1-♭3-4), B diminished, Eb minor seventh, D (1-♭3-4), Eb diminished, G minor seventh, F# (1-♭3-4). The nine available chords create a suspended tonality that feels religious and scientific simultaneously. These harmonies evoke divine awe and are used in sacred and contemporary classical music for passages of transcendence. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen, Gyorgy Ligeti, Thomas Ades.
The G messiaen's mode #3 scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 3 ♯4 5 ♭6 ♭7 7.
Intervals: W-H-H-W-H-H-W-H-H.
Diatonic chords: G diminished, B minor seventh, Bb (1-♭3-4), B diminished, Eb minor seventh, D (1-♭3-4), Eb diminished, G minor seventh, F# (1-♭3-4).
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | G diminished |
| ii | B minor seventh |
| iii | Bb (1-♭3-4) |
| IV | B diminished |
| V | Eb minor seventh |
| vi | D (1-♭3-4) |
| vii° | Eb diminished |
| 8 | G minor seventh |
| 9 | F# (1-♭3-4) |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (G diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (B minor seventh) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Bb (1-♭3-4)) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (B diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Eb minor seventh) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (D (1-♭3-4)) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Eb diminished) 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 G messiaen's mode #3 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 G messiaen's mode #3 scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use for creating atmospheres of 'cosmic awe'. Not bound to traditional chord progressions — works best over sustained harmonies or ostinato patterns.