Eb 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
Eb 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

1Ebroot
b2Fbminor 2nd
4Abperfect 4th
5Bbperfect 5th
b6Cbminor 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
Eb
H
Fb
2W
Ab
W
Bb
H
Cb

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IEbpoint of resttonic
VBbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

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

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how Eb In (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#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmEbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Frequently Asked Questions