B Kafi Raga Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
B Kafi Raga in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The B Kafi Raga scale is a romantic and playful Raga that mirrors the Western Dorian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes B, D, D#, E, F#, G#, A, A#. 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: B, D, D#, E, F#, G#, A, A#
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: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
About Open D Tuning
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) produces a full D major chord when strummed open, creating a warm, resonant sound that has been a staple of slide guitar, folk, and acoustic music for over a century. The three D strings create a deep, droning foundation that makes even simple chord shapes sound lush and full.
Open D is closely related to Open E (same intervals, just a whole step lower) but puts less tension on the guitar neck, making it safer for acoustic instruments. It was a favorite of Joni Mitchell, who used it extensively for her unique chord voicings, and Bob Dylan, who popularized it in folk-rock. For slide players, Open D provides the same intuitive major-chord-at-any-fret approach as Open G but with a warmer, deeper character.
Notable artists: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bruce Cockburn, Elmore James
Best for: Slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, singer-songwriter arrangements, and acoustic compositions with rich open-string resonance
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- B Kafi Raga in Standard Tuning
- B Kafi Raga in Drop D
- B Kafi Raga in DADGAD
- B Kafi Raga in Open G
- B Kafi Raga in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Kafi Raga in 7-string
- B Kafi Raga in 8-string
- B Kafi Raga in Drop C
- B Kafi Raga in Drop B
- B Kafi Raga in Half Step Down
- B Kafi Raga in Open E
- B Kafi Raga in Open A
- B Kafi Raga in Double Drop D
- B Kafi Raga in Open C