How to Play Messiaen's Truncated Mode 6 on the Guitar

Messiaen's truncated mode 6 is an interesting scale that is great for anyone interested in modern music theory. It also makes for a great finger exercise on the guitar. This unusual scale follows a step pattern of a whole step, major third, whole step and another major third. Try using Messiaen's truncated mode 6 the next time you solo or compose.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Begin by placing your forefinger on the third fret of the sixth string (low E string). This is the root note of the scale.

2. Use your ring finger to play the fifth fret of the sixth string. This is the note A, the second degree of Messiaen's truncated mode 6 scale.

3. Play the fourth fret of the fifth string (A string) with your middle finger. This is the note C sharp, the third degree of Messiaen's truncated mode 6 scale.

4. Use your pinky to play the sixth fret of the fifth string. This is the note D sharp, the fourth degree of Messiaen's truncated mode 6 scale.

5. Play the fifth fret of the fourth string (D string) with your ring finger. 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. That's it; you now know how to play Messiaen's truncated mode 6 scale on the guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• Try playing the scale beginning on different notes, all the way up the neck of the guitar, for a great finger exercise.