B Hirajoshi Scale

C#
B
F#
D
B
G
C#
B
F#
C#
D
G
D
F#
C#
B
G
D
F#
C#
B
F#
G
D
G
B
F#
C#
G
D
C#
B
F#
D
B
G
C#
B
F#
C#
D
G
D
F#
C#
B
G
D
F#
C#
B
F#
G
D
G
B
F#
C#
G
D
C#
B
F#
D
B
G
C#
B
F#
C#

B Hirajoshi Scale notes: B C# D F# G. Formula: 1 2 b3 5 b6. Chords that fit it: Bm, Bsus2, B5.

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.