G Messiaen's Mode #3 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
G Messiaen's Mode #3 in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The G Messiaen's Mode #3 scale is a complex nine-note symmetrical scale used by Olivier Messiaen. On Guitar, its notes are G, A, Bb, B, C#, D, Eb, F, F#. It creates a cosmic, suspended tonality that feels both religious and scientific, evoking a sense of divine awe. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen, Gyorgy Ligeti, Thomas Ades. Use for creating atmospheres of 'cosmic awe'. Not bound to traditional chord progressions — works best over sustained harmonies or ostinato patterns.
Notes: G, A, Bb, B, C#, D, Eb, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 #5 6 b7 b8 9
Formula: W-H-H-W-H-H-W-H-H
Number of notes: 9
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Musical Character
A 9-note scale with limited transposition — only 4 unique transpositions exist before repeating. Creates a cosmic, suspended tonality that is neither major nor minor but something transcendent.