A Akebono (Japanese)

A Japanese pentatonic scale, 1–2–b3–5–6; minor 3rd and major 6th combine without degrees 4 and 7.

Octaves

Musical context

How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Name
A Akebono (Japanese)
Family
Pentatonic scales
Note count
5
Step formula
W – H – 4 – W – W+H
Numeric formula
0-2-1-4-2-3

Notes & degrees

1Aroot
2Bmajor 2nd
b3Cminor 3rd
5Eperfect 5th
6F#major 6th

Construction

Overview
A Japanese pentatonic scale, 1–2–b3–5–6; minor 3rd and major 6th combine without degrees 4 and 7.
Application in music
The minor 3rd supplies minor colour, while omission of degrees 4 and 7 weakens functional tendencies.
Interval formula
A
W
B
H
C
2W
E
W
F#

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IApoint of resttonic
VEsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

IAA
IIBB
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how A Akebono (Japanese) looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmAmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Frequently Asked Questions