G♭ Hirajoshi
Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.
Playback sounds a major 6th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)
What notes are in the G♭ Hirajoshi scale?
The G♭ Hirajoshi scale uses the notes G♭, A♭, B𝄫, D♭, E𝄫 (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).
What's the Hirajoshi scale formula?
The Hirajoshi scale follows the interval pattern W H 4 H 4, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on G♭ to get the G♭ Hirajoshi scale.
What chords work over G♭ Hirajoshi?
Try chord pairings derived from the scale's third, fifth, and seventh degrees as roots — they share the most diatonic notes.
How do I finger G♭ Hirajoshi on Alto Saxophone?
On saxophone, scales train fingering + the altissimo register. Practice the entire range — low Bb through high F (or higher with altissimo fingerings) — at each scale.
When would I use the Hirajoshi scale?
Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.