G Purvi Raga Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
G Purvi Raga in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The G Purvi Raga scale is an afternoon Raga that conveys serenity and intense focus. On Guitar, the notes are G, Ab, B, C, C#, D, Eb, F#. It is traditionally performed during the working hours to maintain inner calm and spiritual connection amidst daily activity. Commonly used in Indian Classical, World, Meditation. Notable players include Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan. Traditionally used over a drone. In Western harmony, try over sus chords or pedal tones.
Notes: G, Ab, B, C, C#, D, Eb, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6 b7 8
Formula: H-WH-H-H-H-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 8
Tuning: Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
Musical Character
An afternoon raga that conveys serenity and intense focus. Its intervals are designed to maintain inner calm during the working hours.