C Hirajoshi Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
C Hirajoshi Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Hirajoshi scale is the most iconic Japanese scale, originally used for tuning the koto. On Bass, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, G, Ab. Its poignant intervals create a wistful, traditional sound that has been adopted by rock guitarists to add an oriental edge to modern music. Commonly used in Japanese, Rock, Metal, Ambient, Film Scores. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Marty Friedman, Miyavi. Use over minor chords, sus2, and open string drones. Works beautifully with ambient effects and reverb for atmospheric textures.
Notes: C, D, Eb, G, Ab
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 b5
Formula: W-H-4-H-4
Number of notes: 5
How to Play C Hirajoshi on Bass
On bass, locate C on the A string at fret 3. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The C Hirajoshi scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Ab). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Hirajoshi scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in C. Try a C5 - G5 - Ab5 progression.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the C Hirajoshi scale to build walking bass lines by targeting chord tones on strong beats and using scale tones as approach notes. This is the foundation of functional bass playing.
The C Hirajoshi scale contains 5 notes (C, D, Eb, G, Ab). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Hirajoshi
The C Hirajoshi scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.