Exploring the 9-Note Scale: Messiaen's 3rd Mode and the Influence of Allan Holdsworth
When we talk about complex scales in modern music, few examples stand out as much as Olivier Messiaen's modes of limited transposition. Specifically, the 3rd of Messiaen’s scales — C, D, Eb, E, F#, G, Ab, Bb, and B — has intrigued musicians for its unique tonal structure. It’s a 9-note scale that eschews traditional diatonic harmony and embraces a more mystical, coloristic approach to melody and harmony. But how does this scale connect to the playing of legendary guitarist Allan Holdsworth? Let’s break it down and explore the connections.
Understanding the 9-Note Scale: Messiaen’s 3rd Mode
Olivier Messiaen, a French composer known for his groundbreaking work in harmony and rhythm, created a series of modes that were rooted in symmetrical patterns, breaking away from traditional Western tonality. The 3rd mode is one of his most fascinating discoveries.
The scale itself — C, D, Eb, E, F#, G, Ab, Bb, B — creates an exotic, almost otherworldly sound, often described as "oriental" or "mystical." The structure of the scale is symmetrical in nature. It repeats in groups of intervals that allow for the music to be both unpredictable and mesmerizing. This unpredictability creates a sense of tension, where the ear is never quite certain of the tonal center.
One of the main things that makes this scale interesting is that, as a mode of limited transposition, it can only be transposed a limited number or times before it repeats the same notes. This feature allows for the exploration of unconventional harmonic progressions and melodicism that don’t adhere to traditional scales or chords.
Allan Holdsworth and the 9-Note Scale:
If you’ve listened to Allan Holdsworth, you know that his approach to the guitar was one of constant innovation. Holdsworth’s harmonic language was steeped in the unconventional, often making use of complex scales and modal approaches that challenged listeners' expectations. He was a master of blending harmony and melody in a way that was far ahead of his time.
In his REH instructional video Holdsworth refers to this scale as “Symmetrical” though not directly influenced by Messiaen him self Holdsworth’s approach to the guitar and his unique harmonic vocabulary share many characteristics with Messiaen’s thinking. Allan was known for his use of symmetrical scales, and his affinity for the 3-note-per-string approach is a perfect vehicle for exploring modes like Messiaen's.
The 3-note-per-string technique creates smooth, linear runs across the fretboard. This approach allows for fast, fluid legato playing and is ideal for exploring intricate scales like Messiaen's 3rd mode. In fact, Holdsworth’s use of such techniques allows him to execute exotic scales with a level of fluidity and precision that few guitarists can match.
How to Play the 9-Note Scale: Messiaen’s Mode in the Style of Allan Holdsworth If you're an aspiring guitarist and want to experiment with Messiaen’s 3rd mode, the 3-note-per-string approach could be the perfect way to get the most out of this scale. Here’s how you might start:
1. Learn the Scale
The first step is to learn the notes of the 9-note scale across the fretboard. For instance, you could start with the root note (C) and map out the scale across the fretboard using the 3-note-per-string method.
The goal is to be able to play the scale in multiple positions and inversions, creating a flexible and expansive harmonic vocabulary.
The scale's intervals are as follows:
C to D (whole step)
D to Eb (half step)
Eb to E (whole step)
E to F# (whole and a half step)
F# to G (half step)
G to Ab (whole step)
Ab to Bb (whole step)
Bb to B (half step)
Though 3-note per string is a great way to play this scale, experiment with various other fingerings such as 4-note per string will allow for smooth transitions from note to note.
2. Apply Legato Playing
Holdsworth was renowned for his legato technique — a smooth, connected style of playing where notes are played with minimal pick attack and instead rely on finger pressure and hammer-ons/pull-offs. This technique allows the guitar to “sing,” a hallmark of Holdsworth’s voice-like playing.
To apply this to the 9-note scale, try playing each note in a smooth, continuous legato flow. Let each note connect naturally, like a fluid stream of sound. This smoothness will help to bring out the strange, almost ethereal qualities of the scale, reminiscent of Holdsworth’s long, soaring lines.
3. Focus on Chordal Approach
Allan Holdsworth was also known for his unconventional chord voicings, which often involved stacking intervals that would be out of place in traditional jazz or rock harmony.
When playing with Messiaen’s 3rd mode, think about using similar voicings, like quartal (4th-based) or quintal (5th-based) harmonies.
You can also experiment with adding tensions or dissonant intervals to create a harmonic landscape that mirrors Holdsworth’s sound.
For instance, instead of using traditional dominant or major seventh chords, experiment with diminished or augmented chords that resonate with the unusual intervals found in Messiaen’s scale.
4. Experiment with Soloing
To emulate Holdsworth's improvisational prowess, use the 9-note scale as a basis for soloing. Because the scale does not have a clear, traditional tonal center, improvising with it can sound both unpredictable and sophisticated. Work on phrasing your lines to focus on wide intervals, much like Holdsworth did with his angular, complex phrasing.
The 3-note-per-string technique is ideal here since it allows you to flow across the fretboard, creating melodies that don't necessarily resolve in traditional ways but keep pushing forward. This gives your improvisation a fluid, boundary-defying quality — a characteristic that Holdsworth famously achieved through his intricate solo lines.
Final Thoughts: Messiaen Meets Holdsworth
When you combine Messiaen’s 3rd mode with the distinctive voice of Allan Holdsworth, you find a fusion of complexity and beauty. Both Messiaen’s scale and Holdsworth’s guitar playing defy traditional expectations, creating a sound that is unique and boundary-pushing. The 9-note scale can offer an endless playground for expression, and by applying Allan’s techniques and approach, you can unlock an exciting realm of harmonic possibility.
If you’re a guitarist looking to push your boundaries and experiment with new ideas, Messiaen's 3rd mode — especially when approached with a 3-note-per-string mindset — could be the perfect tool. And by channeling the spirit of Allan Holdsworth, you’ll be able to explore this enigmatic scale in a way that is both innovative and deeply musical.
The examples below use fragments of the scale which enables the ability to stay in one position at a time rather than moving in a constant state of major thirds. I hope you find these fingerings useful.
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