E Messiaen's Mode #4 Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram

E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Open D — Notes and Intervals

The E Messiaen's Mode #4 scale is a symmetrical scale designed to have no single tonic. On Guitar, the notes are E, F, F#, A, A#, B, C, D#. Messiaen used it to create what he called the charm of impossibilities, evoking a sense of spiritual wonder where the listener loses their sense of direction. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use for avant-garde composition and film scoring where traditional tonal direction should dissolve.

Notes: E, F, F#, A, A#, B, C, D#

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 2M, 4P, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6 b7 8

Formula: H-H-WH-H-H-H-WH-H

Number of notes: 8

Tuning: Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Standard Tuning
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Drop D
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in DADGAD
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Open G
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Baritone (B Standard)
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in 7-string
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in 8-string
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Drop C
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Drop B
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Half Step Down
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Open E
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Open A
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Double Drop D
E Messiaen's Mode #4 in Open C

← All Guitar scales in Open D tuning