E 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 E, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where E is a comfortable tonal centre.
| Notes | E F♯ G B C |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1P · 2M · 3m · 5P · 6m |
| Step pattern | W H 2W H 2W |
E Hirajōshi on the piano
Improvisation drone · E
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
On the piano E Hirajōshi uses one black key (F♯) and four white.
E · F♯ · G · B · C
Try E Hirajōshi on the virtual piano
Free, in your browser: play with the mouse, your computer keyboard or a USB MIDI keyboard. No sign-up.
E Hirajōshi on the guitar
E Hirajōshi - fr 0–12
E Hirajōshi on the staff
Notes of the E Hirajōshi scale
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | unison1P | 0 | |
| 2 | F♯ | major 2nd2M | 2 | |
| 3 | G | minor 3rd3m | 3 | |
| 4 | B | perfect 5th5P | 7 | |
| 5 | C | minor 6th6m | 8 |
What makes E 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 E, E Hirajōshi is E Natural Minor (E F♯ G A B C D) without A and D.
How to use the E Hirajōshi scale
Because E 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 E 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 E Hirajōshi
Start with the music described above: listen for E 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 E Hirajōshi scale?
The E Hirajōshi scale contains E, F♯, G, B and C.
What is the formula for the E Hirajōshi scale?
E Hirajōshi follows a five-note scale with intervals 1, 2, ♭3, 5, ♭6 evoking traditional koto music.
Is E Hirajōshi a major or minor scale?
E Hirajōshi is a hirajōshi scale. Japanese pentatonic scale with a contemplative, koto-like atmosphere.
What chords belong to the E Hirajōshi scale?
E Hirajōshi doesn't produce a standard seven-chord diatonic set. Use chords from a related diatonic scale instead.
Which genres use E Hirajōshi?
Hirajōshi is one of the most recognisable Japanese pentatonic scales - instantly evokes koto, shamisen and traditional folk music.
How do you play the E Hirajōshi scale on the piano?
On the piano E Hirajōshi uses one black key (F♯) and four white.
What is the difference between E Hirajōshi and E Natural Minor?
On E, E Hirajōshi is E Natural Minor (E F♯ G A B C D) without A and D.
How do I practise the E Hirajōshi scale?
Hirajōshi rewards slow, expressive playing. Try ringing each note out for several seconds before moving on, like a koto player would.