Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 31, 2026

Iwato scale

The iwato scale is a musical scale that is similar to the Locrian mode, seventh mode of the major scale, different in that it has no 3rd or 6th notes, thus making it pentatonic. Its spelling is therefore 1 b2 4 b5 b7. It is used in traditional Japanese music for the koto. It is a mode of the hirajōshi scale.

Last revised
Jul 31, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
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Citations
2
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Wikipedia ↗
Iwato scale on C.1 Playⓘ Piggott gives C-D-E♭-G-A♭.2 (Iwato scale on D) source ↗

The iwato scale is a musical scale that is similar to the Locrian mode (spelled 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7), seventh mode of the major scale, different in that it has no 3rd or 6th notes, thus making it pentatonic. Its spelling is therefore 1 b2 4 b5 b7. It is used in traditional Japanese music for the koto. It is a mode of the hirajōshi scale.

References

References

  1. Taaffe, Dennis (2008). Alien Guitar Lessons for the Intermediate & Advanced Guitarist. Lulu.com. p. 118. ISBN 9781435749474.
  2. Piggott, Francis Taylor (1893). The Music and Musical Instruments of Japan. Kelly & Walsh. p. 96. OCLC 903426191.
Further reading

Further reading