A Kumoi Scale
A Kumoi contains 5 notes: A, B, C, E, G♭. It has 1 flat: G♭. The step pattern is W–H–4h–W–W+H.
A Japanese pentatonic scale with a haunting, bittersweet beauty. It sounds minor but with an unexpected brightness that sets it apart from the usual minor pentatonic. Think traditional koto music or cinematic Japanese scenes.
The formula is 1, 2, b3, 5, 6. The b3 gives it a minor flavor, but the natural 6th adds a surprising warmth — like Dorian mode stripped down to five essential notes. This mix of dark and bright is what makes Kumoi so distinctive and emotionally complex.
The shapes are compact and comfortable, following the same five-box pentatonic framework. It works well over minor chords and minor 6th chords. Try it in the open position using open strings as drones — the contrast between the b3 and natural 6 really pops when you can let notes ring out.
Kumoi is a great stepping stone toward understanding Dorian mode. Since it's essentially a Dorian pentatonic (minus the 4th and b7), you can flesh out Kumoi phrases by adding those two notes when you want more melodic options. Jazz and fusion players use it to create spacious, contemplative lines.