A Hirajōshi at a glance
Hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable Japanese pentatonic scales - instantly evokes koto, shamisen and traditional folk music. Built on the root A, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where A is a comfortable tonal centre.
| Notes | A B C E F |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1P · 2M · 3m · 5P · 6m |
| Step pattern | W H 2W H 2W |
A Hirajōshi on the piano
Improvisation drone · A
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
On the piano A Hirajōshi uses only white keys.
A · B · C · E · F
Try A Hirajōshi on the virtual piano
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A Hirajōshi on the guitar
A Hirajōshi - fr 0–12
A Hirajōshi on the staff
Notes of the A Hirajōshi scale
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | unison1P | 0 | |
| 2 | B | major 2nd2M | 2 | |
| 3 | C | minor 3rd3m | 3 | |
| 4 | E | perfect 5th5P | 7 | |
| 5 | F | minor 6th6m | 8 |
What makes A Hirajōshi different
Hirajōshi is a five-note scale (1, 2, ♭3, 5, ♭6): natural minor with the fourth and seventh left out. Unlike the minor pentatonic it keeps two half steps, between 2 and ♭3 and between 5 and ♭6, which give it its koto-like sound. It also has two gaps of a major third, ♭3 to 5 and ♭6 to the octave, so the scale alternates tight steps with wide leaps. That contrast is what makes it sound Japanese to Western ears rather than simply minor. On A, A Hirajōshi is A Natural Minor (A B C D E F G) without D and G.
How to use the A Hirajōshi scale
Because A Hirajōshi has fewer or more than seven notes, it doesn't produce a standard set of seven diatonic triads. Instead, build chords by stacking thirds within the scale or use it as a melodic colour over chords drawn from a related diatonic key.
Hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable Japanese pentatonic scales - instantly evokes koto, shamisen and traditional folk music.
Practice tips
Hirajōshi rewards slow, expressive playing. Try ringing each note out for several seconds before moving on, like a koto player would.
Formula & step pattern
The A Hirajōshi scale follows a five-note scale with intervals 1, 2, ♭3, 5, ♭6 evoking traditional koto music. Step pattern: W - H - 2W - H - 2W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 5P · 6m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Where you will hear A Hirajōshi
Start with the music described above: listen for A Hirajōshi in it and transcribe a few short phrases by ear. It's the quickest way to learn how the scale sounds.
Questions people ask
What notes are in the A Hirajōshi scale?
The A Hirajōshi scale contains A, B, C, E and F.
What is the formula for the A Hirajōshi scale?
A Hirajōshi follows a five-note scale with intervals 1, 2, ♭3, 5, ♭6 evoking traditional koto music.
Is A Hirajōshi a major or minor scale?
A Hirajōshi is a hirajōshi scale. Japanese pentatonic scale with a contemplative, koto-like atmosphere.
What chords belong to the A Hirajōshi scale?
A Hirajōshi doesn't produce a standard seven-chord diatonic set. Use chords from a related diatonic scale instead.
Which genres use A Hirajōshi?
Hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable Japanese pentatonic scales - instantly evokes koto, shamisen and traditional folk music.
How do you play the A Hirajōshi scale on the piano?
On the piano A Hirajōshi uses only white keys.
What is the difference between A Hirajōshi and A Natural Minor?
On A, A Hirajōshi is A Natural Minor (A B C D E F G) without D and G.
How do I practise the A Hirajōshi scale?
Hirajōshi rewards slow, expressive playing. Try ringing each note out for several seconds before moving on, like a koto player would.