E Hirajōshi scale
The E Hirajōshi scale is a 5-note hirajōshi scale built on the root E. Its notes are E, F♯, G, B and C. Japanese pentatonic scale with a contemplative, koto-like atmosphere. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make E 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 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
- Tonic
- E
E Hirajōshi on the piano
E Hirajōshi on the guitar
E Hirajōshi on the staff
Hear the E Hirajōshi scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the E Hirajōshi scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E | |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | F♯(F#) | |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | G | |
| 4 | 5P | 7 | B | |
| 5 | 6m | 8 | C |
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.
Where you will hear E Hirajōshi
E 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.
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.
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 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.