fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON BASS TROMBONE

A Hirajoshi

Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 title A Hirajoshi
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 title A Hirajoshi
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
AF triggerFG♭ triggerG♭1234567partial 2
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — A sounds partial 2
partial 1 — A1 (+0¢)1partial 2 — A2 (+0¢)2partial 3 — E3 (+2¢)3partial 4 — A3 (+0¢)4partial 5 — C♯4 (-14¢)5partial 6 — E4 (+2¢)6partial 7 — G4 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — A4 (+0¢)8
Related scales
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the A Hirajoshi scale?

The A Hirajoshi scale uses the notes A, B, C, E, F (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 A to get the A Hirajoshi scale.

What chords work over A 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 A Hirajoshi on Bass Trombone?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Hirajoshi scale?

Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.