F
B
A
E
B
C
F
C
E
B
A
F
C
E
B
A
E
F
C
F
A
E
B
F
C
B
A
E
C
A
F
B
A
E
B
C
F
C
E
B
A
F
C
E
B
A
E
F
C
F
A
E
B
F
C
B
A
E
C
A
F
B
A
E
B
C
F
C
E
B
A Hirajoshi Scale notes: A B C E F. Formula: 1 2 b3 5 b6. Chords that fit it: Am, Asus2, A5.
Hirajoshi is a five-note Japanese scale: 1 2 b3 5 b6. Two half steps, 2 to b3 and 5 to b6, give it a plaintive sound that recalls the koto. It works like a minor pentatonic with a different color, so rock and metal players use it for an instant Japanese flavor.