B Messiaen's Mode #6 Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Messiaen's Mode #6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale is a symmetrical scale associated with radiance and light. On Mandolin, its notes are B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A, A#. 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: B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A, A#
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
Musical Character
Associated with radiance and light in Messiaen's system — creates a uniform, brilliant coloration that transcends traditional keys.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Sacred Music, Experimental
Notable players: Olivier Messiaen
How to Use the B Messiaen's Mode #6 Scale
Use for creating a sense of radiant, enlightened calm. Best in sustained, atmospheric contexts.
Origin & Background
Used by Messiaen in his sacred music to represent divine light and spiritual illumination.
How to Play B Messiaen's Mode #6 on Mandolin
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 8 notes of the Messiaen's Mode #6 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D#, C#-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #6 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 8 notes before building speed. Aim for a radiant quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Messiaen's Mode #6 scale contains 8 notes (B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Messiaen's Mode #6
The B 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 B Messiaen's Mode #6 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Messiaen's Mode #6 on Guitar
- B Messiaen's Mode #6 on Ukulele
- B Messiaen's Mode #6 on Bass
- B Messiaen's Mode #6 on Piano