E♭ Hirajoshi
Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.
Playback sounds a perfect 5th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
What notes are in the E♭ Hirajoshi scale?
The E♭ Hirajoshi scale uses the notes E♭, F, G♭, B♭, C♭ (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 E♭ to get the E♭ Hirajoshi scale.
What chords work over E♭ 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 E♭ Hirajoshi on English Horn?
On double reeds, scales train reed control + register changes + the half-hole / full-hole register transition. Slow practice exposes pitch instability the player can correct with embouchure.
When would I use the Hirajoshi scale?
Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.