C# Messiaen's Mode #7 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
C# Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale is a nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. On Ukulele, the notes are C#, D, D#, E, F#, G, G#, A, A#, C. 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: C#, D, D#, E, F#, G, G#, A, A#, C
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
How to Play C# Messiaen's Mode #7 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 10 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The C# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 5 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#, A#). 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 #7 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 #7 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the C# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The C# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 10 notes (C#, D, D#, E, F#, G, G#, A, A#, 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 #7
The C# Messiaen's Mode #7 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 10-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 #7 Further
- Harmonize the C# Messiaen's Mode #7 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Messiaen's Mode #7 on Guitar
- C# Messiaen's Mode #7 on Bass
- C# Messiaen's Mode #7 on Piano