Koto Sound Dictionary

Nogijoshi

Nogijoshi (nogi-choshi) is not a traditional koto tuning, but is used in many Japanese folksongs. In the D-mode, nogijoshi consists of the scale: D, E, G, A, B, D. The tuning is similar to gakujoshi.

Here are the pitches to which the strings of the koto are tuned in nogijoshi when the tonic of the scale is D:

string:		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
Nogi-choshi		D4	G3	A3	B3	D4	E4	G4	A4	B4	D5	E5	G5	A5

Sound Examples

Nogi string tunings
            MP3 (159 KB)
            WAV (875 KB)
The tuning of each koto string in nogijoshi, starting with string 1 up to string 13. Note that string 1 is higher in pitch than string 2. Played on an itame kurikou.

Kojo no tsuki
            MP3 (668 KB)
            WAV (3678 KB)
Melody in nogijoshi performed by Sachiko Deguchi on an itame kurikou.

Aka-tonbo
            MP3 (417 KB)
            WAV (2295 KB)
Melody in nogijoshi performed by Sachiko Deguchi on an itame kurikou.