D Hirajoshi Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
D Hirajoshi Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Hirajoshi scale is the most iconic Japanese scale, originally used for tuning the koto. On Piano, it contains the notes D, E, F, A, Bb. 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: D, E, F, A, Bb
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 b5
Formula: W-H-4-H-4
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
The most iconic Japanese scale — its wide intervals create beautiful string-skipping patterns on guitar. Originally a Koto tuning, it translates perfectly to the guitar's range.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Japanese, Rock, Metal, Ambient, Film Scores
Notable players: Joe Satriani, Marty Friedman, Miyavi
How to Use the D Hirajoshi Scale
Use over minor chords, sus2, and open string drones. Works beautifully with ambient effects and reverb for atmospheric textures.
Origin & Background
Originally a tuning for the Japanese Koto (13-string zither). Adapted to Western instruments and popularized by guitarists like Joe Satriani. A quintessentially Japanese hemitonic pentatonic scale, distinguished from Chinese pentatonics by its use of major third intervals with semitones between certain scale degrees.
How to Play D Hirajoshi on Piano
On piano, the D Hirajoshi scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on D and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The D Hirajoshi scale contains 1 flat (Bb). 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
Practice the D 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 D. Try a D5 - A5 - Bb5 progression. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the D Hirajoshi scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a wistful quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The D Hirajoshi scale contains 5 notes (D, E, F, A, Bb). 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.