How to Play Messiaen's Truncated Mode 5 Inverse on the Gutiar

Messiaen's truncated mode 5 inverse is a theoretical scale that is great for music-theory students, but it is also a fine finger exercise when applied to the guitar. The scale consists of an unusual step sequence of a perfect fourth, half step, perfect fourth, and finally another half step. Try playing this scale on the guitar to increase your scale IQ.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Begin by placing your forefinger on the fifth fret of the sixth string (low E string). This is the root note of Messiaen's truncated mode 5 inverse scale.

2. Play the fifth fret of the fifth string (A string) with your middle finger. This is the note D, the second degree of Messiaen's truncated mode 5 inverse scale.

3. Use your ring finger to play the sixth fret of the fifth string. This is the note E flat, the third degree of Messiaen's truncated mode 5 inverse scale.

4. With your pinky, play the sixth fret of the fourth string (D string). This is the note G sharp, the fourth degree of Messiaen's truncated mode 5 inverse scale.

5. Play the seventh fret of the fourth string. This is the final note of the scale. It is one octave higher than the root note you played in Step 1.

6. Play the scale in reverse. Play steps 5 through 1 to complete the scale. You now know how to play Messiaen's truncated mode 5 inverse scale on the guitar.