A# Messiaen's Mode #7 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
A# Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale is a nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. On Guitar, the notes are A#, B, C, C#, D#, E, F, F#, G, A. It represents divine authority and the vast, complex forces of the universe in Messiaen's musical language. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use in complex, multi-layered compositions. Its near-chromatic density provides maximum harmonic flexibility.
Notes: A#, B, C, C#, D#, E, F, F#, G, A
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 2M, 3m, 4P, 4A, 5P, 6m, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 b4 5 #6 7 b8 9 10
Formula: H-H-H-W-H-H-H-H-W-H
Number of notes: 10
How to Play A# Messiaen's Mode #7 on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 6 on the 6th (low E) to find your A# root note. Because this scale has 10 notes, four-notes-per-string stretches may be necessary. Start with a single position and expand gradually. Keep your thumb centered behind the neck for reach.
The A# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 4 sharps (A#, C#, D#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the A# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 10 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A# to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #7 scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the A# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The A# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 10 notes (A#, B, C, C#, D#, E, F, F#, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A# Messiaen's Mode #7
The A# Messiaen's Mode #7 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 10-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.
Explore A# Messiaen's Mode #7 Further
- Harmonize the A# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 on Ukulele
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 on Bass
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 on Piano
Explore A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Other Tunings
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- A# Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)