D Messiaen's Mode #5 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
D Messiaen's Mode #5 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Messiaen's Mode #5 scale is a majestic limited-transposition scale that emphasizes large intervals. On Ukulele, it contains the notes D, Eb, G, G#, A, C#. It creates an atmosphere of immense power and grandeur, suitable for depicting grand spiritual or cosmic concepts. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Orchestral. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use in orchestral and cinematic contexts for moments of grandeur. Best over sustained pedal tones.
Notes: D, Eb, G, G#, A, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 4P, 4A, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 #4 5 6
Formula: H-4-H-H-4-H
Number of notes: 6
How to Play D Messiaen's Mode #5 on Ukulele
On ukulele, find D on the fret 2 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 6 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The D Messiaen's Mode #5 scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. 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 D Messiaen's Mode #5 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 D to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #5 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the D Messiaen's Mode #5 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 D Messiaen's Mode #5 scale contains 6 notes (D, Eb, G, G#, A, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Messiaen's Mode #5
The D Messiaen's Mode #5 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 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore D Messiaen's Mode #5 Further
- Harmonize the D Messiaen's Mode #5 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Messiaen's Mode #5 on Guitar
- D Messiaen's Mode #5 on Bass
- D Messiaen's Mode #5 on Piano