A Hirajōshi scale
The A Hirajōshi scale is a 5-note hirajōshi scale built on the root A. Its notes are A, B, C, E and F. Japanese pentatonic scale with a contemplative, koto-like atmosphere. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make A Hirajōshi a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable Japanese pentatonic scales, evoking koto, shamisen and traditional folk repertoire. 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.
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.
A Hirajōshi on the piano
A Hirajōshi on the guitar
A Hirajōshi on the staff
Hear the A Hirajōshi scale
Notes of the A Hirajōshi scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | A |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | B |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | C |
| 4 | 5P | 7 | E |
| 5 | 6m | 8 | F |
How to use the A Hirajōshi scale
Because A Hirajōshi has fewer or more than seven notes, it does not 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, evoking koto, shamisen and traditional folk repertoire.
Practice tips
Hirajōshi rewards slow, expressive playing. Try ringing each note out for several seconds before moving on, as a koto player would.
Famous songs in this key
A Hirajōshi appears throughout hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable japanese pentatonic scales, evoking koto, shamisen and traditional folk repertoire. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to A Hirajōshi
Once you are comfortable with A Hirajōshi, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with A Hirajōshi and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Hirajōshi scale?
What is the formula for the A Hirajōshi scale?
Is A Hirajōshi a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the A Hirajōshi scale?
Which genres use A Hirajōshi?
How do I practise the A Hirajōshi scale?
Take A Hirajōshi into your music
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