E Purvi Raga Guitar Scale — Open D

Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram

E Purvi Raga in Open D — Notes and Intervals

The E Purvi Raga scale is an afternoon Raga that conveys serenity and intense focus. On Guitar, the notes are E, F, G#, A, A#, B, C, D#. 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: E, F, G#, A, A#, B, C, D#

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

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.

FolkBluesSlide GuitarAcousticSinger-SongwriterCountry

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

← All Guitar scales in Open D tuning