D# Messiaen's Mode #5 Guitar Scale — Drop B
Guitar scale in Drop B tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Drop B — Notes and Intervals
The D# Messiaen's Mode #5 scale is a majestic limited-transposition scale that emphasizes large intervals. On Guitar, it contains the notes D#, E, G#, A, A#, D. It creates an atmosphere of immense power and grandeur, suitable for depicting grand spiritual or cosmic concepts. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Orchestral. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use in orchestral and cinematic contexts for moments of grandeur. Best over sustained pedal tones.
Notes: D#, E, G#, A, A#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 4P, 4A, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 #4 5 6
Formula: H-4-H-H-4-H
Number of notes: 6
Tuning: Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
About Drop B Tuning
Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) takes the guitar into territory traditionally reserved for 7-string instruments, delivering a subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest. This tuning has become essential in modern extreme metal, deathcore, and djent, where low-end clarity and rhythmic precision are paramount.
Drop B represents the practical limit of what a standard 6-string guitar can handle before tone quality degrades. With the right string gauge (12-60 or heavier) and proper setup, it delivers the crushing lows of a 7-string while keeping the familiar 6-string layout. Bands like Architects, Periphery (on some tracks), and Parkway Drive have used Drop B to create some of the heaviest riffs in modern metal.
Notable artists: Architects, Parkway Drive, Whitechapel, Born of Osiris, Emmure
Best for: Extreme metal riffs, deathcore breakdowns, djent chugs, and any style demanding the lowest possible 6-string tuning
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Standard Tuning
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Drop D
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in DADGAD
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Open G
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in 7-string
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in 8-string
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Drop C
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Open D
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Half Step Down
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Open E
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Open A
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Double Drop D
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Open C