A Kafi Raga Guitar Scale — Drop C

Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram

A Kafi Raga in Drop C — Notes and Intervals

The A Kafi Raga scale is a romantic and playful Raga that mirrors the Western Dorian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, C, C#, D, E, F#, G, G#. It is welcoming and accessible, often used in folk-inspired classical music to express joy and lightheartedness. Commonly used in Indian Classical, Folk, World, Fusion. Notable players include Ali Akbar Khan, Zakir Hussain. Use over m7 chords — identical to Dorian usage. The most 'jazz-friendly' raga for fusion experimentation.

Notes: A, C, C#, D, E, F#, G, G#

Intervals: 1P, 3m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m, 7M

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 6 b7 8

Formula: WH-H-H-W-W-H-H-H

Number of notes: 8

Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)

About Drop C Tuning

Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.

From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.

MetalcorePost-HardcoreNu-MetalHeavy AlternativeDjent-lite

Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red

Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Drop C tuning