C Ichikosucho Charango Scale
Charango scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
C Ichikosucho Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Ichikosucho scale is an ancient Japanese court music scale used in Gagaku ceremonies. On Charango, it contains the notes C, D, E, F, Gb, G, A, B. It has a Lydian-like structure and is used to evoke a sense of imperial majesty and historical tradition. Commonly used in Japanese, Classical, Film Scores. Notable players include Takemitsu, Hosokawa. Use over Maj7#11 in Japanese-influenced compositions. Adds cultural authenticity to Eastern-themed scores.
Notes: C, D, E, F, Gb, G, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5d, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Formula: W-W-H-H-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 8
Musical Character
An ancient Japanese court music scale with a Lydian-like structure (#4) that evokes imperial majesty and historical tradition.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Japanese, Classical, Film Scores
Notable players: Takemitsu, Hosokawa
How to Use the C Ichikosucho Scale
Use over Maj7#11 in Japanese-influenced compositions. Adds cultural authenticity to Eastern-themed scores.
Origin & Background
Used in Gagaku (Japanese imperial court music) for ceremonial and formal compositions.
How to Play C Ichikosucho on Charango
Begin by locating C on your instrument and play through the 8 notes of the Ichikosucho scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C Ichikosucho scale contains 1 flat (Gb). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Ichikosucho scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 8 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C to let the characteristic intervals of the Ichikosucho scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Charango Tips
Practice the C Ichikosucho scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 8 notes before building speed. Aim for a imperial quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C Ichikosucho scale contains 8 notes (C, D, E, F, Gb, G, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Charango with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Ichikosucho
The C Ichikosucho scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 8-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C Ichikosucho Further
- Browse chord progressions
- C Ichikosucho on Guitar
- C Ichikosucho on Ukulele
- C Ichikosucho on Bass
- C Ichikosucho on Piano