C# Hirajoshi Guitar Scale
Guitar 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 Guitar, it contains the notes C#, D#, E, G#, A. 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#, E, G#, A
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 Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 9 on the 6th (low E) to find your C# root note. With only 5 notes, this scale fits comfortably in a two-notes-per-string pattern across all six strings. Focus on learning a single box shape first before connecting positions.
The C# Hirajoshi scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the C# Hirajoshi scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in C#. Try a C#5 - G#5 - A5 progression.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the C# Hirajoshi scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications.
The C# Hirajoshi scale contains 5 notes (C#, D#, E, G#, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar 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.
Explore C# Hirajoshi Further
- Harmonize the C# Hirajoshi scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Hirajoshi on Ukulele
- C# Hirajoshi on Bass
- C# Hirajoshi on Piano
Explore C# Hirajoshi in Other Tunings
- C# Hirajoshi in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Hirajoshi in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Hirajoshi in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Hirajoshi in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Hirajoshi in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Hirajoshi in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Hirajoshi in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Hirajoshi in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Hirajoshi in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Hirajoshi in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Hirajoshi in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Hirajoshi in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Hirajoshi in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Hirajoshi in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)