C Todi Raga Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in 8-string tuning — fretboard diagram
C Todi Raga in 8-string — Notes and Intervals
The C Todi Raga scale is a meditative morning Raga from the Indian classical tradition. On Guitar, its notes are C, Db, Eb, F#, G, Ab, B. It is associated with deep reflection and philosophical contemplation, using its unique notes to evoke a mood of gentle, serious introspection. Commonly used in Indian Classical, World, Meditation, Film Scores. Notable players include Ravi Shankar, Nikhil Banerjee. Traditionally used over a drone (tanpura). In Western harmony, try over sustained root notes or minimal chord changes.
Notes: C, Db, Eb, F#, G, Ab, B
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 #4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-W-WH-H-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
About 8-string Tuning
The 8-string guitar adds both a low B and a low F# string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E), pushing the instrument's range almost into bass guitar territory. This massive tonal range has become the weapon of choice for djent, progressive metal, and experimental composers who need bone-crushing low-end and soaring highs in a single instrument.
With artists like Tosin Abasi, Meshuggah, and After the Burial leading the charge, the 8-string guitar has redefined what's possible in modern heavy music. The low F# string delivers subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest, while the upper strings maintain standard guitar voicings for leads and clean passages. Extended-range compositions often exploit the full span of the instrument, creating a wall of sound that covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitar roles simultaneously.
Notable artists: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, After the Burial, Intervals, Monuments
Best for: Djent polyrhythms, extended-range metal riffs, experimental compositions, and one-instrument arrangements spanning bass to lead
Musical Character
A morning raga associated with deep philosophical contemplation. In the Indian system, specific ragas are tied to times of day — Todi is for the hours of introspection at dawn.