E Hirajoshi (Japanese)
A Japanese pentatonic scale, 1–2–b3–5–b6; two minor 2nds make its minor sound more tense.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- E Hirajoshi (Japanese)
- Family
- Pentatonic scales
- Note count
- 5
- Step formula
- W – H – 4 – H – 4
- Numeric formula
- 0-2-1-4-1-4
Notes & degrees
1Eroot
2F#major 2nd
b3Gminor 3rd
5Bperfect 5th
b6Cminor 6th
Construction
- Overview
- A Japanese pentatonic scale, 1–2–b3–5–b6; two minor 2nds make its minor sound more tense.
- Application in music
- Lowered 3rd and 6th degrees supply minor colour; semitones 2–b3 and 5–b6 create the main tendencies.
- Interval formula
- EWF#HG2WBHC
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IEpoint of resttonic
VBsupports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
IEE
IIF#F#
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how E Hirajoshi (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.