G 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
G 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

1Groot
b2Abminor 2nd
4Cperfect 4th
5Dperfect 5th
b6Ebminor 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
G
H
Ab
2W
C
W
D
H
Eb

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IGpoint of resttonic
VDsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

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

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how G 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#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmGmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
1 sharp (F#)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Frequently Asked Questions