Unlock the mystique of the Japanese Kumoi Scale: A dark, alluring, and exotic sound for guitarists. In this article lesson, I will tell you about the scale, its history and uses, and provide you with the 5 pentatonic box shapes I've created for it, plus a bonus diagonal run to connect them together.

What is the Kumoi Scale?

The Kumoi scale, a haunting and lesser-known pentatonic scale, offers guitarists a unique and expressive palette that’s both exotic and evocative. In the key of A (which we'll be using as the example throughout this article lesson), the Kumoi scale consists of the notes A, Bb, D, E, & F, corresponding to the intervals R, b2, 4, 5, & b6. This combination creates a dark, unresolved sound that feels both grounded and haunting. Its obscurity in Western music stems from its infrequent use compared to common scales like the major or minor pentatonic, making it a compelling choice for guitarists looking to stand out.

A Brief History of The Kumoi Scale

The Kumoi scale, also known as Kumoijoshi, originates from traditional Japanese music, where it is used in folk and classical compositions for instruments like the shamisen and koto. Its name, derived from the Japanese word kumo (cloud), evokes ethereal, drifting melodies that carry a sense of mystery. Rarely heard in Western music, the Kumoi scale remains an obscure gem for guitarists seeking to explore unconventional sounds with a touch of cultural depth.

When and How to Use It

I personally use this scale as a substitute for the Phrygian and Phrygian Dominant scales. If you ever find yourself jamming in these scales, remember: this is a perfect opportunity to bust out the Kumoi! But why does it work? Why can we play The Kumoi Scale in Phrygian and Phrygian Dominant contexts?

Here’s how it works and why you can play the A Kumoi Scale in an A Phrygian or A Phrygian Dominant context:

Phrygian:
The A Phrygian scale (A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G) is known for its dark, Spanish-flavored sound, driven by its flattened second (b2). The A Kumoi scale (A, Bb, D, E, F) shares the notes A, Bb, D, E, F with A Phrygian, making it a pentatonic subset. Using the Kumoi scale over a Phrygian progression emphasizes its haunting character while preserving the mode’s signature tension.

Phrygian Dominant:
The A Phrygian dominant scale (A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, G) is a staple in flamenco, metal, and world music, with its major third (C#) and flattened second (b2). The A Kumoi scale (A, Bb, D, E, F) shares the notes A, Bb, D, E, F with this mode, again allowing it to function as a pentatonic subset. Playing the Kumoi scale over a Phrygian dominant progression simplifies phrasing while retaining the mode’s exotic, Eastern vibe.

This overlap makes the Kumoi scale an excellent choice for guitarists looking to add a fresh, streamlined twist to modal playing without learning new patterns.

The 5 Pentatonic Box Shapes of The Kumoi Scale

Box Shape #1

Box Shape #2

Box Shape #3


Box Shape #4


Box Shape #5

Now that you've gotten to grips with the 5 pentatonic box shapes of the A Kumoi Scale, I'd like to present you with a custom, diagonal shape which you can use to navigate freely across the neck. Play around with this and keep in mind you can also try seeking your own custom ways of connecting up shapes and moving around the fretboard. Good luck and have fun!

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Here I have arranged the notes of a Cmaj7 chord into some seriously handy scale-like shapes. Pick through these, work them into your own soloing and get ready to jam with a whole new sound.

While using every note in any given scale is surely effective, by choosing and limiting which notes you play you can discover a whole new realm of sounds, licks and opportunities.

And so the idea I present today is how you can arrange the notes of a Cmaj7 chord/arpeggio (B, C, E & G) into playable scale-like shapes. Use the following shapes in the key of C Major (AKA A Minor):

SHAPE 1

SHAPE 2

SHAPE 3

Work these ideas into your own style. Blend them with your current favourite licks. Enjoy utilising the fresh sound that is the major 7 arpeggio.

To see and hear these shapes in action (+ a music theory breakdown) check out my video lesson below!