Ab
Eb
D
C
G
Eb
C
Ab
D
C
G
D
Eb
Ab
Eb
G
D
C
Ab
Eb
G
D
C
G
Ab
Eb
Ab
C
G
D
Ab
Eb
D
C
G
Eb
C
Ab
D
C
G
D
Eb
Ab
Eb
G
D
C
Ab
Eb
G
D
C
G
Ab
Eb
Ab
C
G
D
Ab
Eb
D
C
G
Eb
C
Ab
C Hirajoshi Scale notes: C D Eb G Ab. Formula: 1 2 b3 5 b6. Chords that fit it: Cm, Csus2, C5.
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.