F Kafi Raga Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
F Kafi Raga in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The F Kafi Raga scale is a romantic and playful Raga that mirrors the Western Dorian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes F, Ab, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, E. 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: F, Ab, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, E
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
- F Kafi Raga in Standard Tuning
- F Kafi Raga in Drop D
- F Kafi Raga in DADGAD
- F Kafi Raga in Open G
- F Kafi Raga in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Kafi Raga in 7-string
- F Kafi Raga in 8-string
- F Kafi Raga in Drop C
- F Kafi Raga in Drop B
- F Kafi Raga in Half Step Down
- F Kafi Raga in Open E
- F Kafi Raga in Open A
- F Kafi Raga in Double Drop D
- F Kafi Raga in Open C