G Purvi Raga Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G Purvi Raga Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Purvi Raga scale is an afternoon Raga that conveys serenity and intense focus. On Piano, the notes are G, Ab, B, C, C#, D, Eb, F#. It is traditionally performed during the working hours to maintain inner calm and spiritual connection amidst daily activity. Commonly used in Indian Classical, World, Meditation. Notable players include Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan. Traditionally used over a drone. In Western harmony, try over sus chords or pedal tones.
Notes: G, Ab, B, C, C#, D, Eb, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6 b7 8
Formula: H-WH-H-H-H-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 8
How to Play G Purvi Raga on Piano
On piano, the G Purvi Raga scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The G Purvi Raga scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the G Purvi Raga scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G-B, Ab-C) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G to let the characteristic intervals of the Purvi Raga scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the G Purvi Raga scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The G Purvi Raga scale contains 8 notes (G, Ab, B, C, C#, D, Eb, F#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.