C Hirajōshi scale
The C Hirajōshi scale is a 5-note hirajōshi scale built on the root C. Its notes are C, D, E♭, G and A♭. Japanese pentatonic scale with a contemplative, koto-like atmosphere. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C Hirajōshi a great tool for improvising and composing.
Hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable Japanese pentatonic scales - instantly evokes koto, shamisen and traditional folk music. Built on the root C, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where C is a comfortable tonal centre.
C Hirajōshi on the piano
C Hirajōshi on the guitar
C Hirajōshi on the staff
Hear the C Hirajōshi scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the C Hirajōshi scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | D |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | E♭(Eb) |
| 4 | 5P | 7 | G |
| 5 | 6m | 8 | A♭(Ab) |
How to use the C Hirajōshi scale
Because C 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.
Famous songs
C Hirajōshi appears throughout hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable japanese pentatonic scales - instantly evokes koto, shamisen and traditional folk music. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to C Hirajōshi
Once you are comfortable with C Hirajōshi, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with C Hirajōshi and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The C 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.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Hirajōshi scale?
What is the formula for the C Hirajōshi scale?
Is C Hirajōshi a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the C Hirajōshi scale?
Which genres use C Hirajōshi?
How do I practise the C Hirajōshi scale?
Take C Hirajōshi into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.