G Kafi Raga Guitar Scale — Open G
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
G Kafi Raga in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The G Kafi Raga scale is a romantic and playful Raga that mirrors the Western Dorian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, Bb, B, C, D, E, F, F#. 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: G, Bb, B, C, D, E, F, F#
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 G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Kafi Raga in Standard Tuning
- G Kafi Raga in Drop D
- G Kafi Raga in DADGAD
- G Kafi Raga in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Kafi Raga in 7-string
- G Kafi Raga in 8-string
- G Kafi Raga in Drop C
- G Kafi Raga in Drop B
- G Kafi Raga in Open D
- G Kafi Raga in Half Step Down
- G Kafi Raga in Open E
- G Kafi Raga in Open A
- G Kafi Raga in Double Drop D
- G Kafi Raga in Open C