D Kumoijoshi Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
D Kumoijoshi Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Kumoijoshi scale is a traditional Japanese Koto tuning that produces a tranquil and standard classical sound. On Guitar, the notes are D, Eb, G, A, Bb. It is a peaceful variation of the Hirajoshi scale used for centuries in Japanese chamber music. Commonly used in Japanese, Classical, Ambient. Notable players include Kitaro, Takemitsu. Use over minor chords and sustained bass notes. Best in sparse, contemplative arrangements.
Notes: D, Eb, G, A, Bb
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 4P, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: H-4-W-H-4
Number of notes: 5
How to Play D Kumoijoshi on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 10 on the 6th (low E) to find your D 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 D Kumoijoshi scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Bb). 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 D Kumoijoshi 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 D. Try a D5 - A5 - Bb5 progression.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the D Kumoijoshi 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 D Kumoijoshi scale contains 5 notes (D, Eb, G, A, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Kumoijoshi
The D Kumoijoshi 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 D Kumoijoshi Further
- Harmonize the D Kumoijoshi scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Kumoijoshi on Ukulele
- D Kumoijoshi on Bass
- D Kumoijoshi on Piano
Explore D Kumoijoshi in Other Tunings
- D Kumoijoshi in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Kumoijoshi in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D Kumoijoshi in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D Kumoijoshi in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D Kumoijoshi in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D Kumoijoshi in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D Kumoijoshi in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D Kumoijoshi in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D Kumoijoshi in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D Kumoijoshi in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D Kumoijoshi in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D Kumoijoshi in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D Kumoijoshi in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Kumoijoshi in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)