C# Messiaen's Mode #6 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
C# Messiaen's Mode #6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale is a symmetrical scale associated with radiance and light. On Ukulele, its notes are C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B, C. It creates a uniform coloration that transcends traditional keys, making the music sound brilliant and enlightened. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Sacred Music, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use for creating a sense of radiant, enlightened calm. Best in sustained, atmospheric contexts.
Notes: C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 #6 #7 8
Formula: W-W-H-H-W-W-H-H
Number of notes: 8
How to Play C# Messiaen's Mode #6 on Ukulele
On ukulele, find C# on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 8 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The C# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the C# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #6 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the C# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know.
The C# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale contains 8 notes (C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Messiaen's Mode #6
The C# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 8-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C# Messiaen's Mode #6 Further
- Harmonize the C# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Messiaen's Mode #6 on Guitar
- C# Messiaen's Mode #6 on Bass
- C# Messiaen's Mode #6 on Piano