THE HIRAJOSHI(JAPANESE PENTATONIC) SCALE
This is a Japanese scale commonly used by Marty Friedman from Cacophony.
It is a five tone scale, which means that it has less notes than the
common major scale. Therefore, It is best to use this scale in combination
with another scale such as the Aolean or Harmonic Minor. I think I've even
heard Marty combine this with the Pentatonic scale. The key to this
scale is to play it melodically, meaning harmonize it with they rhythm
rather than just ripping it apart. So heres your first position.
R 2 1 4 1 4 (R=root note, the numbers are how many frets for the next note)
|---------------------5-7-8-|
|-----------------5-6-------|
|-------------4-5-----------|
|-----------7---------------|
|-------7-8-----------------|
|-5-7-8---------------------|
As you will find out, this is an Aolean scale without a 4 and 7. Okay,
Ill let you figure out the rest of the positions, but now on to the
fun part. Lets take a look at some ideas incorporating the Hiragoshi
scale. This first one is the intro to "The Ninja" by Marty Friedman.
Intro to "THE NINJA"
LISTEN!
Main Exotic Scales 101
Tabulature Choose Your Weapon
Links