A Kokin Joshi Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
A Kokin Joshi Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Kokin Joshi scale is a traditional Japanese koto tuning that blends anhemitonic and hemitonic characteristics, with wide intervals in its lower portion giving way to a tight semitone above. On Piano, the notes are A, B, D, E, F. This asymmetry shifts mood between open warmth and delicate tension, making it a refined vehicle for the classical Japanese court poetry tradition. Commonly used in Japanese, Traditional, Ambient, Film Scores. Notable players include Michio Miyagi, Tadao Sawai. Use over sus2, minor, and open string drones. The mix of wide and narrow intervals supports both sweeping melodic gestures and intimate ornamental phrases.
Notes: A, B, D, E, F
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 4P, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: W-WH-W-H-4
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
A pentatonic that blends anhemitonic (no semitones) and hemitonic (with semitones) characteristics: the lower portion uses wide intervals while the upper portion includes a tight semitone. This asymmetry creates a scale that shifts mood between open warmth and delicate tension.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Japanese, Traditional, Ambient, Film Scores
Notable players: Michio Miyagi, Tadao Sawai
How to Use the A Kokin Joshi Scale
Use over sus2, minor, and open string drones. The mix of wide and narrow intervals supports both sweeping melodic gestures and intimate ornamental phrases.
Origin & Background
Named after one of the principal tunings of the Japanese koto. The Kokin Joshi tuning is associated with classical Japanese court poetry set to music, where its balanced character complements the refined aesthetic of waka verse.
How to Play A Kokin Joshi on Piano
On piano, the A Kokin Joshi scale uses 0 black keys. Playing entirely on white keys, this is one of the most physically comfortable scales to learn. Use the standard 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 fingering for the right hand.
The A Kokin Joshi scale uses no sharps or flats, consisting entirely of natural notes. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the A Kokin Joshi 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 A. Try a A5 - E5 - F5 progression. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the A Kokin Joshi scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a wistful quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A Kokin Joshi scale contains 5 notes (A, B, D, E, F). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Piano. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.