The 5th Mode from Messiaen [Modes of limited transposition] has six transpositions [listed below]. Messiaen’s 5th mode is quite distinctive due to it’s semitones, tritone possibilities, and the two major 3rd intervals occurring in it. In terms of the guitar fretboard this is very handy when creating fluid lines due to its ease for left hand fingering/fretting.
![Messiaen's 5th Mode.Composition and improvisation lesson. Messiaen Mode 5 [5th mode 6 transpositions]](https://guitaralternatepicking.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/screen-shot-2021-02-12-at-19.34.23.png)
Messiaen’s 5th mode [Non Transposed]
![Messiaen Mode 5 [5th mode of limited transposition]](https://guitaralternatepicking.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/screen-shot-2021-02-12-at-18.41.33.png)
Messiaen’s 5th Mode Extended
Creating Scalic runs: Messiaen mode 5:
Descending
Ascending
One very useful concept is to mirror the intervals of the mode and create an atonal sounding contrapuntal study. This great when employed as a compositional device.
Cross Picking/ Chordal Picking: Notice the use of Tritones.
Picking pattern = “Down Down Up”
Guitar Cross Picking/ Chordal Picking: With an open G string.
Messiaen 5th Mode: Scale to chord Imitation device.
Messiaen 5th mode: 3 octave scale imitation descending line
![Messiaen mode 5 Descending Run [Immitation] guitar effect](https://guitaralternatepicking.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/screen-shot-2021-02-12-at-19.04.42.png)
Cross Picking part 2: Using 4 note tritone chords.
Picking pattern =”Down Down Down Up”
Notice the two open strings :
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