D Hirajoshi Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
D Hirajoshi Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Hirajoshi scale is the most iconic Japanese scale, originally used for tuning the koto. On Ukulele, 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
How to Play D Hirajoshi on Ukulele
On ukulele, find D on the fret 2 area, and 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 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
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.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the D Hirajoshi scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know.
The D Hirajoshi scale contains 5 notes (D, E, F, A, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Hirajoshi
The D 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 D Hirajoshi Further
- Harmonize the D Hirajoshi scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Hirajoshi on Guitar
- D Hirajoshi on Bass
- D Hirajoshi on Piano