B
F#
E
B
C
G
C
E
B
F#
C
G
F#
E
B
G
E
C
F#
E
B
F#
G
C
G
B
F#
E
C
G
B
F#
E
B
C
G
C
E
B
F#
C
G
F#
E
B
G
E
C
F#
E
B
F#
G
C
G
B
F#
E
C
G
B
F#
E
B
C
G
C
E
B
F#
E Hirajoshi Scale notes: E F# G B C. Formula: 1 2 b3 5 b6. Chords that fit it: Em, Esus2, E5.
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.