C Messiaen's Mode #7 Tres Cubano Scale
Tres Cubano scale — fretboard diagram
C Messiaen's Mode #7 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale is a nearly-chromatic scale that serves as the parent for many other symmetrical systems. On Tres Cubano, the notes are C, Db, D, Eb, F, F#, G, Ab, A, B. It represents divine authority and the vast, complex forces of the universe in Messiaen's musical language. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use in complex, multi-layered compositions. Its near-chromatic density provides maximum harmonic flexibility.
Notes: C, Db, D, Eb, F, F#, G, Ab, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 2M, 3m, 4P, 4A, 5P, 6m, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 b4 5 #6 7 b8 9 10
Formula: H-H-H-W-H-H-H-H-W-H
Number of notes: 10
How to Play C Messiaen's Mode #7 on Tres Cubano
Begin by locating C on your instrument and play through the 10 notes of the Messiaen's Mode #7 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 3 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. 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 C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C-D, Db-Eb) 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 C to let the characteristic intervals of the Messiaen's Mode #7 scale come through clearly.
Tres Cubano Tips
Practice the C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 10 notes before building speed.
The C Messiaen's Mode #7 scale contains 10 notes (C, Db, D, Eb, F, F#, G, Ab, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Tres Cubano with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Messiaen's Mode #7
The C Messiaen's Mode #7 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 10-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.