A Messiaen's Mode #7 Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Messiaen's Mode #7 scale is a nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. On Mandolin, the notes are A, Bb, B, C, D, D#, E, F, F#, G#. 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: A, Bb, B, C, D, D#, E, F, F#, G#
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 A 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 A Messiaen's Mode #7 on Mandolin
Begin by locating A 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 A Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains both sharps and flats (3 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
Practice the A Messiaen's Mode #7 scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 10 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #7 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in avant-garde contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the A 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 A Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 10 notes (A, Bb, B, C, D, D#, E, F, F#, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Messiaen's Mode #7
The A 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 A Messiaen's Mode #7 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Messiaen's Mode #7 on Guitar
- A Messiaen's Mode #7 on Ukulele
- A Messiaen's Mode #7 on Bass
- A Messiaen's Mode #7 on Piano