D# Malkos Raga Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Malkos Raga in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The D# Malkos Raga scale is a dark and powerful night Raga used for deep meditation. On Guitar, its notes are D#, F#, G#, B, C#. It is intended to be performed in the late hours to explore the shadow self and create an atmosphere of profound, serious introspection. Commonly used in Indian Classical, Meditation, Dark Ambient, World. Notable players include Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia. Use over minor drones and pedal tones. Works beautifully with delay and reverb for ambient, meditative textures.
Notes: D#, F#, G#, B, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 b4 b5
Formula: WH-W-WH-W-W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Musical Character
A night raga for exploring the 'shadow self' — its omission of the 2nd and 5th creates deep, open spaces that encourage introspection and meditation.