G Messiaen's Mode #3 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Open C — 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: 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
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.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Standard Tuning
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Drop D
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in DADGAD
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Open G
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in 7-string
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in 8-string
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Drop C
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Drop B
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Open D
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Half Step Down
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Open E
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Open A
- G Messiaen's Mode #3 in Double Drop D