B Messiaen's Mode #7 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Messiaen's Mode #7 scale is a nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. On Cavaquinho, the notes are B, C, C#, D, E, F, F#, G, G#, A#. 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: B, C, C#, D, E, F, F#, G, G#, A#
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
Musical Character
A nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. Represents 'divine authority and the vast forces of the universe' in Messiaen's musical theology.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Olivier Messiaen
How to Use the B Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale
Use in complex, multi-layered compositions. Its near-chromatic density provides maximum harmonic flexibility.
Origin & Background
The most complex of Messiaen's modes, representing the fullness of divine creation in his musical-theological system.
How to Play B Messiaen's Mode #7 on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 10 notes of the Messiaen's Mode #7 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 4 sharps (C#, 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 100 BPM and play the B 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 B to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #7 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the B Messiaen's Mode #7 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 10 notes before building speed. Aim for a complex quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 10 notes (B, C, C#, D, E, F, F#, G, G#, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Messiaen's Mode #7
The B 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 B Messiaen's Mode #7 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Messiaen's Mode #7 on Guitar
- B Messiaen's Mode #7 on Ukulele
- B Messiaen's Mode #7 on Bass
- B Messiaen's Mode #7 on Piano