B Messiaen's Mode #3
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Messiaen's Mode #3 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Messiaen's Mode #3 scale is a complex nine-note symmetrical scale used by Olivier Messiaen. On Ukulele, its notes are B, C#, D, D#, F, F#, G, A, A#. 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: B, C#, D, D#, F, F#, G, A, A#
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
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.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Ambient, Experimental
Notable players: Olivier Messiaen, Gyorgy Ligeti, Thomas Ades
How to Use the B Messiaen's Mode #3 Scale
Use for creating atmospheres of 'cosmic awe'. Not bound to traditional chord progressions — works best over sustained harmonies or ostinato patterns.
Origin & Background
Created by Olivier Messiaen as part of his 'Modes of Limited Transposition' system. Designed to evoke spiritual wonder and divine awe.
Related Scales
The B Messiaen's Mode #3 scale contains 9 notes (B, C#, D, D#, F, F#, G, A, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.