Japanese Scale: Theory & Ear Training

Enjoy this utterly simple, but deliciously distinctive scale from the Land of the Rising Sun…

Japanese Scale in the Key of C

1. The scale structure of the Japanese Scale is 1-b2-4-5-b6-1. Always. No matter what key you are in.
2. The Solfege syllables of the Japanese Scale are Do-Ra-Fa-So-Le-Do. Always. Noo matter what key you are in.
3. The only thing that changes when you change keys are the letter names.

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Comparative Scale Study

Notice that the Japanese Scale is a subset of the Middle Eastern Scale… and notice the dramatic effect of removing two notes: Mi and Ti, creating a dreamy quality that is instantly recognized as Japanese!

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Japanese Scale Solfege Ear Training

Reading, playing, and singing the Solfege syllables out loud is an extremely effective way to tune up your ears and to internalize the unique sound-feeling of each note in the scale with respect to the key center Do. Make sure to do this slowly enough for the unique sound-feeling of each Solfege syllable to make a meaningful impression on your mind’s ear.

C Japanese Scale: Linear, Ascending…

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C Japanese Scale: Linear, Descending…

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C Japanese Scale: Do-X-Do, Ascending…

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C Japanese Scale: Do-X-Do, Descending…

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Note: While it’s possible to continue by singing a bunch of other musical patterns, the 80-20 Principle teaches us that a more efficient approach is to get your ear training material directly from the music that YOU want to play!

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learn more… Scales