C# 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
- C# 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
1C#root
2D#major 2nd
b3Eminor 3rd
5G#perfect 5th
6A#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
- C#WD#HE2WG#WA#
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IC#point of resttonic
VG#supports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
IC#C#
IID#D#
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how C# Akebono (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.