G Messiaen's Mode #7 Guitar Scale — Open A

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

G Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The G 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 G, Ab, A, Bb, C, C#, D, Eb, E, F#. 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: G, Ab, A, Bb, C, C#, D, Eb, E, F#

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: Open A (E-A-E-A-C#-E)

About Open A Tuning

Open A tuning (E-A-E-A-C#-E) produces an A major chord when strummed open. It is structurally identical to Open G tuned up one whole step, delivering a brighter, more tense sound that works particularly well for slide guitar centered on the key of A.

Jimmy Page used Open A with a slide on Led Zeppelin's 'In My Time of Dying' from Physical Graffiti (1975). Rory Gallagher also employed Open A for his raw, energetic slide work. Many players achieve Open A by simply placing a capo at the 2nd fret in Open G tuning, which is why dedicated Open A usage is less commonly discussed. However, without a capo, Open A gives direct access to the open A string resonance and a different feel under the fingers due to the higher tension.

BluesSlide GuitarRockDelta Blues

Notable artists: Jimmy Page, Rory Gallagher, Delta blues players

Best for: Slide guitar in the key of A, blues playing, and situations where you need the brightness of Open G tuned up without a capo

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning