F Hirajoshi Scale
F Hirajoshi contains 5 notes: F, G, A♭, C, D♭. It has 2 flats: A♭, D♭. The step pattern is W–H–4h–H–4h.
A dark, dramatic Japanese pentatonic scale that sounds instantly exotic. The half step between the 5th and the note above it creates an eerie tension you rarely hear in five-note scales. Popularized in metal by Marty Friedman.
The formula is 1, 2, b3, 5, b6. That b6 sitting a half step above the 5th is the key ingredient — it creates a haunting dissonance that gives Hirajoshi its signature sound. It can be derived from the 5th mode of harmonic minor by removing two notes, keeping only the pentatonic skeleton.
Like all pentatonic scales, it maps to five interlocking box shapes across the fretboard. The half-step intervals make for some tight, expressive fingerings that work great with slides and vibrato. It sits naturally over minor chords and instantly transforms a standard rock solo into something cinematic and Eastern.
This scale is a favorite among shred and neoclassical players because the half-step intervals create natural tension-and-release moments at high speed. Try combining it with the natural minor pentatonic — alternate between the two to shift the mood from dark-exotic to dark-bluesy within the same solo.
- Tornado of Souls - Megadeth (Marty Friedman solo)