What notes are in the C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale?

The C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale has 10 notes: C, Db, D, Eb, F, F#, G, Ab, A, B. The intervals are 1P, 2m, 2M, 3m, 4P, 4A, 5P, 6m, 6M, 7M and the formula is H-H-H-W-H-H-H-H-W-H.

C Messiaen's Mode #7 Guitar Scale

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What chords fit over C Messiaen's Mode #7?

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C Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale — Notes and Intervals

The C 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 C, Db, D, Eb, F, F#, G, Ab, A, B. 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: C, Db, D, Eb, F, F#, G, Ab, A, B

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

Musical Character

ComplexAll-EncompassingDenseUniversal

A nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. Represents 'divine authority and the vast forces of the universe' in Messiaen's musical theology.

Genres & Notable Artists

Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde

Notable players: Olivier Messiaen

How to Use the C Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale

Use in complex, multi-layered compositions. Its near-chromatic density provides maximum harmonic flexibility.

Origin & Background

The most complex of Messiaen's modes, representing the fullness of divine creation in his musical-theological system.

How to Play C Messiaen's Mode #7 on Guitar

Place your index finger at fret 8 on the 6th (low E) to find your C 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 C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 3 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.

Practice Routine

Practice the C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 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 C to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #7 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in avant-garde contexts.

Guitar Tips

On guitar, try playing the C 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. Aim for a complex quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.

Related Scales

The C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 10 notes (C, Db, D, Eb, F, F#, G, Ab, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.

CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Messiaen's Mode #7

The C 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 C Messiaen's Mode #7 Further

Explore C Messiaen's Mode #7 in Other Tunings

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