Miyako-Bushi Extended Scale

This pentatonic (five-note) scale is another mode of the Hirajoshi Extended scale. The highest note is very high (for a Native American flute) into the second register — the eleventh. It is typically reachable only on extended-range Native American flutes designed for play into the second register.

However, you can use this scale without that top note for some nice melodies.

SNAFT Format

<xxx|xxx
<xxx|xoo
<xxx|ooo
<xxo|xoo
<oox|ooo
<oxx|xxx!
<hxx|xoo!

Full Name: Miyako-Bushi Extended

Other Names:

• Mode Five Hirajoshi

Scale steps: 5(=1+4) - 2 - 1 - 4 - 1 - 4

Video

Sound Samples

Here's a sample of the basic scale as well as a woven scale on an extended-range E minor Native American flute:

Woven Miyako-Bushi Extended Scale

Clint Goss. E minor flute of Spalted Maple by Barry Higgins.

Nakai Tablature and Notes

Possible Alternate Fingerings on Six-Hole Flutes

Possible Alternate Fingerings on Five-Hole Flutes

Woven Scale Exercise