Messiaen Modes: Modes 1, 2, & 3 - Tonal & Post-tonal Theory

Juampy Juarez teaches the first three Messiaen Modes — the symmetrical scales compiled by French composer Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) — and the tonal and post-tonal theory behind them. Mode 1 is the whole-tone scale, mode 2 the diminished scale, and mode 3 is one of the chromatic symmetrical series unique to this system.

What's covered

• The seven Messiaen Modes as the only collection of symmetrical series, and why their lack of a root makes the music post-tonal (a term from Joseph N. Straus's Introduction to Post-tonal Theory)
• Reharmonization with tertian and quartal triads, tetrads, chromatic chords, and trichords
• Patterns, cadences, voice movement, and phrases drawn from each mode
• The chords, arpeggios, and sub-modes these scales generate, and how to apply them to refresh your style
• How these sounds connect to 20th-century orchestral music and modern fusion players like Allan Holdsworth and Tim Miller

An advanced theory class for players drawn to a new harmonic world; future lessons in the series cover the remaining modes.

Running time: 1 hr 4 minutes. 15-page PDF included (note: written content is in Spanish).