D# Messiaen's Mode #6 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D# Messiaen's Mode #6 scale is a symmetrical scale associated with radiance and light. On Guitar, its notes are D#, F, G, G#, A, B, B##, D. 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: D#, F, G, G#, A, B, B##, D
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
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
Associated with radiance and light in Messiaen's system — creates a uniform, brilliant coloration that transcends traditional keys.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Standard Tuning
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Drop D
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in DADGAD
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Open G
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in 7-string
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in 8-string
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Drop C
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Drop B
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Open D
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Half Step Down
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Open E
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Open A
- D# Messiaen's Mode #6 in Double Drop D