C Hirajoshi Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
C Hirajoshi Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Hirajoshi scale is the most iconic Japanese scale, originally used for tuning the koto. On Ukulele, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, G, Ab. 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: C, D, Eb, G, Ab
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 b5
Formula: W-H-4-H-4
Number of notes: 5
How to Play C Hirajoshi on Ukulele
On ukulele, find C on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. With 5 notes, this scale fits neatly on the ukulele's short fretboard without requiring large stretches.
The C Hirajoshi scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Ab). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C Hirajoshi scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C-Eb, D-G) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in C. Try a C5 - G5 - Ab5 progression.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the C Hirajoshi scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The C Hirajoshi scale contains 5 notes (C, D, Eb, G, Ab). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Hirajoshi
The C Hirajoshi 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 C Hirajoshi Further
- Harmonize the C Hirajoshi scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Hirajoshi on Guitar
- C Hirajoshi on Bass
- C Hirajoshi on Piano