B Messiaen's Mode #7 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
B Messiaen's Mode #7 in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The B Messiaen's Mode #7 scale is a nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. On Cavaquinho, the notes are B, C, C#, D, E, F, F#, G, 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: B, C, C#, D, E, F, F#, G, 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
Tuning: Standard (D-B-G-D)