A Hirajoshi Guitar Scale

A Hirajoshi in Drop D — Notes and Intervals

The A Hirajoshi scale is the most iconic Japanese scale, originally used for tuning the koto. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, B, C, E, F. 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: A, B, C, E, F

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6m

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 b5

Formula: W-H-4-H-4

Number of notes: 5

Tuning: Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

• A Hirajoshi in Standard Tuning
• A Hirajoshi in DADGAD
• A Hirajoshi in Open G
• A Hirajoshi in Baritone (B Standard)
• A Hirajoshi in 7-string
• A Hirajoshi in 8-string
• A Hirajoshi in Drop C
• A Hirajoshi in Drop B
• A Hirajoshi in Open D
• A Hirajoshi in Half Step Down
• A Hirajoshi in Open E
• A Hirajoshi in Open A
• A Hirajoshi in Double Drop D
• A Hirajoshi in Open C

← All Guitar scales in Drop D tuning