A ichikosucho scale diatonic chords
A ichikosucho scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
A ichikosucho scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the A ichikosucho scale yields a ceremonial chord family from Japanese Gagaku court music. The chords of A ichikosucho are A unknown, B unknown, Eb minor seventh, E unknown, Eb diminished, E major, F# minor, G# diminished. The Lydian-like structure creates a sense of imperial majesty. These chords are effective for scoring scenes of royalty, ceremony, and ancient tradition with an authentic East Asian character. Commonly used in Japanese, Classical, Film Scores. Notable players include Takemitsu, Hosokawa.
The A ichikosucho scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 ♭5 5 6 7.
Intervals: W-W-H-H-H-W-W-H.
Diatonic chords: A unknown, B unknown, Eb minor seventh, E unknown, Eb diminished, E major, F# minor, G# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | A unknown |
| ii | B unknown |
| iii | Eb minor seventh |
| IV | E unknown |
| V | Eb diminished |
| vi | E major |
| vii° | F# minor |
| 8 | G# diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (A unknown) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (B unknown) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Eb minor seventh) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (E unknown) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Eb diminished) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (E major) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (F# minor) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A ichikosucho scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A ichikosucho scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over Maj7#11 in Japanese-influenced compositions. Adds cultural authenticity to Eastern-themed scores.