E Mode 3 Scale
E Mode 3 contains 9 notes: E, F♯, G, G♯, A♯, B, C, D, D♯. It has 4 sharps: F♯, G♯, A♯, D♯. The step pattern is W–H–H–W–H–H–W–H–H.
Messiaen Mode 3 (Tcherepnin scale) is a 9-note scale that divides the octave into 3 major-3rd groups. It allows 4 transpositions and has a shimmering, iridescent quality.
The formula is 1, 2, b3, 3, #4, 5, b6, b7, 7. Each group of three notes spans a major 3rd and contains a whole step plus two half steps. With 9 notes per octave, it provides an extremely rich harmonic palette while maintaining symmetry. The scale contains both major and augmented sonorities. Messiaen associated its iridescent quality with stained glass windows in Gothic cathedrals.
Highly favored by modern guitarists like Allan Holdsworth, who applied strict 3-note-per-string fingerings to fluidly navigate its complex structure. The 9-note density means every position is packed — practice small fragments (3-4 notes) rather than running the full scale.
- Les corps glorieux - Olivier Messiaen
- Allan Holdsworth improvisations