fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON ALTO

B Hirajoshi

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

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title B Hirajoshi Verovio
Keyboard
BDGBDGBDGBC♯F♯C♯F♯C♯F♯
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 B Hirajoshi scale?

The B Hirajoshi scale uses the notes B, C♯, D, F♯, G (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 B to get the B Hirajoshi scale.

What chords work over B 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 B Hirajoshi on Alto?

Singing scales (solfège) trains pitch accuracy + interval recognition. Use moveable Do (Do = tonic) so any scale starts on Do. The major scale solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do) is the universal pattern.

When would I use the Hirajoshi scale?

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