D# Hirajoshi Guitar Scale — Drop D

Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram

D# Hirajoshi in Drop D — Notes and Intervals

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

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 (D-A-D-G-B-E)

About Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.

Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.

Hard RockMetalGrungeAlternativeAcoustic Fingerpicking

Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage

Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Drop D tuning