Scales of the World
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The Ritusen scale is a pentatonic scale. It also has no third so is neither Minor or Major, but both if you like. It differs from the Major scale in that it lacks a third and seventh note.
The Ritusen Scale comes from China. It has a very open and minimilistic beauty that is characteristic of Eastern Scales.
What stands out in this scale is the major sixth which gives it a jazzy touch while still being decidedly Eastern. Notice the step and a half intervals.
Play this scale with a lot of exaggerated bending if you wish to imitate the wavering intonation of many Asian stringed instruments.
This will give you a beautiful and traditional sound that will bring to mind a Chinese farmer tending his fields in the morning sun.
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