scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
E kafi raga scale — ukulele chords and intervals
The harmonized E kafi raga scale yields a warm, romantic chord family that mirrors Western Dorian harmony with an Indian character. The chords from E kafi raga are E major, G (1-2-♭5), G# diminished, A (1-3-♭5), B (1-♭3-4), C# (1-2-♭5), D (1-2-♭5), D# (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 E 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: E major, G (1-2-♭5), G# diminished, A (1-3-♭5), B (1-♭3-4), C# (1-2-♭5), D (1-2-♭5), D# (1-3-♭5).
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | E major |
| ii | G (1-2-♭5) |
| iii | G# diminished |
| IV | A (1-3-♭5) |
| V | B (1-♭3-4) |
| vi | C# (1-2-♭5) |
| vii° | D (1-2-♭5) |
| 8 | D# (1-3-♭5) |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (E major) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (G (1-2-♭5)) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (G# diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (A (1-3-♭5)) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (B (1-♭3-4)) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C# (1-2-♭5)) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (D (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 E 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 E 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.