Ab In (Japanese)
A Japanese pentatonic scale, 1–b2–4–5–b6; two minor 2nds create focused tension.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- Ab In (Japanese)
- Family
- Pentatonic scales
- Note count
- 5
- Step formula
- H – 4 – W – H – 4
- Numeric formula
- 0-1-4-2-1-4
Notes & degrees
1Abroot
b2Aminor 2nd
4Dbperfect 4th
5Ebperfect 5th
b6Fbminor 6th
Construction
- Overview
- A Japanese pentatonic scale, 1–b2–4–5–b6; two minor 2nds create focused tension.
- Application in music
- Root, 4th and 5th provide structural support; lowered 2nd and 6th add semitone tension.
- Interval formula
- AbHA2WDbWEbHFb
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IAbpoint of resttonic
VEbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
IAbAb
IIAA
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how Ab In (Japanese) looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.