Kokin Joshi

The Kokin Joshi is a neutral or pentatonic scale type. It differs from the Natural Minor in that it has a flattened second, and the third and sixth notes are ommitted.

The Kokin Joshi comes to us form Japan and is a popular scale there. It is directly descended from the Kumoi scale.

This scale has many applications because it lacks a third.

The Kokin Joshi, like the Kumoi can actually be used over major and dominant chords but be especially careful with the flat second and the flat seventh. Use these as passing tones in your phrases, then resolve.