fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON CELLO

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 4 title A Hirajoshi
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title A Hirajoshi
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
AG stringADGCoctave nodeoctave nodeoctave nodeoctave nodeABCEFABEFABCEABCEFACEFABC
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 Cello?

On bowed strings, scales train both fingering and bow technique. First-position fingerings cover most scales up to one octave; second-, third-, and fourth-position shifts unlock the higher register. The 1-2-3-4 finger pattern adapts to the half-step + whole-step positions per scale.

When would I use the Hirajoshi scale?

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