E♯ Hirajoshi
Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.
Playback sounds a major 2nd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)
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 Soprano 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.