How to Play Messiaen's Truncated Mode 3 Scale on the Guitar

Messiaen's Truncated Mode 3 is a very interesting scale. While highly chromatic, it still lends itself to some very tuneful possibilities. It's a great object of study from a music-theory standpoint, and it also affords also a great finger exercise that is appropriate for guitarists of all skill levels.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. To begin Messiaen's Truncated Mode 3, place your second finger on the third fret of the G string. This is the root note.

2. Remain on the G string and play the fourth fret with your third finger. This is B, the second degree of Messiaen's Truncated Mode 3 scale.

3. Shift to the B string and play the third fret with your second finger. This is D, the third degree of the scale.

4. With your third finger, play the B string at the fourth fret. This is D sharp, the fourth degree of the scale.

5. Move to the E string and play the second fret with your first finger. This is F sharp, the fifth degree of Messiaen's Truncated Mode 3 scale.

6. Slide your first finger to the third fret of the E string. This is G, the sixth degree of the scale.

7. With your fourth finger, play the sixth fret of the E string. This is B flat, the seventh degree of the scale.

8. To complete Messiaen's Truncated Mode 3 scale, repeat Steps 7 through 1 in reverse order until you again reach the root note.

Tips & Warnings

• When playing Messiaen's Truncated Mode 3 scale, try using different rhythms as you practice. This will break up the monotony of your practice regimen, while also improving your timing.