D# Messiaen's Mode #5 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in 8-string tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in 8-string — Notes and Intervals
The D# Messiaen's Mode #5 scale is a majestic limited-transposition scale that emphasizes large intervals. On Guitar, it contains the notes D#, E, G#, A, A#, D. 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#, E, G#, A, A#, D
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
Tuning: 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
About 8-string Tuning
The 8-string guitar adds both a low B and a low F# string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E), pushing the instrument's range almost into bass guitar territory. This massive tonal range has become the weapon of choice for djent, progressive metal, and experimental composers who need bone-crushing low-end and soaring highs in a single instrument.
With artists like Tosin Abasi, Meshuggah, and After the Burial leading the charge, the 8-string guitar has redefined what's possible in modern heavy music. The low F# string delivers subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest, while the upper strings maintain standard guitar voicings for leads and clean passages. Extended-range compositions often exploit the full span of the instrument, creating a wall of sound that covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitar roles simultaneously.
Notable artists: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, After the Burial, Intervals, Monuments
Best for: Djent polyrhythms, extended-range metal riffs, experimental compositions, and one-instrument arrangements spanning bass to lead
Musical Character
Emphasizes large intervals creating an atmosphere of immense power and grandeur — used for depicting grand spiritual or cosmic concepts.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Standard Tuning
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Drop D
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in DADGAD
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Open G
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in 7-string
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Drop C
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Drop B
- D# Messiaen's Mode #5 in Open D