B♭ Hirajoshi
Japanese 5-note dark scale — 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6. Characteristically pensive.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
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.