scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
C kafi raga scale — ukulele chords and intervals
The harmonized C kafi raga scale yields a warm, romantic chord family that mirrors Western Dorian harmony with an Indian character. The chords from C kafi raga are C major, Eb (1-2-♭5), E diminished, F (1-3-♭5), G (1-♭3-4), A (1-2-♭5), Bb (1-2-♭5), B (1-3-♭5). The accessible, joyful chord colors make this family welcoming and versatile. Use these chords for folk-inspired compositions that need a warm, playful quality. Commonly used in Indian Classical, Folk, World, Fusion. Notable players include Ali Akbar Khan, Zakir Hussain.
The C kafi raga scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭3 3 4 5 6 ♭7 7.
Intervals: 3H-H-H-W-W-H-H-H.
Diatonic chords: C major, Eb (1-2-♭5), E diminished, F (1-3-♭5), G (1-♭3-4), A (1-2-♭5), Bb (1-2-♭5), B (1-3-♭5).
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C major |
| ii | Eb (1-2-♭5) |
| iii | E diminished |
| IV | F (1-3-♭5) |
| V | G (1-♭3-4) |
| vi | A (1-2-♭5) |
| vii° | Bb (1-2-♭5) |
| 8 | B (1-3-♭5) |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (C major) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Eb (1-2-♭5)) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (E diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (F (1-3-♭5)) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (G (1-♭3-4)) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (A (1-2-♭5)) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bb (1-2-♭5)) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C kafi raga scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C kafi raga scale on ukulele.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m7 chords — identical to Dorian usage. The most 'jazz-friendly' raga for fusion experimentation.