E Messiaen's Mode #7 Guitar Scale — Open C
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The E 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 E, F, F#, G, A, A#, B, C, C#, D#. 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: E, F, F#, G, A, A#, B, C, C#, D#
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 C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Standard Tuning
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Drop D
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in DADGAD
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open G
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in 7-string
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in 8-string
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Drop C
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Drop B
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open D
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Half Step Down
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open E
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Open A
- E Messiaen's Mode #7 in Double Drop D