A# Kafi Raga Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Kafi Raga in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The A# Kafi Raga scale is a romantic and playful Raga that mirrors the Western Dorian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes A#, C#, D, D#, F, G, G#, A. 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: A#, C#, D, D#, F, G, G#, A
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 C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
Mirrors the Western Dorian mode — making it the most accessible raga for Western guitarists. Its romantic quality makes it a natural bridge between Indian and jazz traditions.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A# Kafi Raga in Standard Tuning
- A# Kafi Raga in Drop D
- A# Kafi Raga in DADGAD
- A# Kafi Raga in Open G
- A# Kafi Raga in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# Kafi Raga in 7-string
- A# Kafi Raga in 8-string
- A# Kafi Raga in Drop C
- A# Kafi Raga in Drop B
- A# Kafi Raga in Open D
- A# Kafi Raga in Half Step Down
- A# Kafi Raga in Open E
- A# Kafi Raga in Open A
- A# Kafi Raga in Double Drop D