10 Indian Classical Scales to Practice on Guitar

10 Indian Classical Scales to Practice on Guitar

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Introduction: Bridging East and West

Indian classical music and Western guitar may seem like an unlikely pair—but when combined, they create something deeply expressive and melodically rich. For guitarists eager to explore a new world of improvisation, practicing Indian ragas offers a gateway to emotional storytelling through music.

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • What Indian ragas are
  • Why practicing Indian scales enhances your playing
  • How to play 10 ragas on your guitar
  • Notations, fretboard numbers, and diagrams
  • Practice tips to internalize the ragas

Let’s dive into this sonic fusion of tradition and creativity.

What is a Raga?

A raga is more than just a scale—it’s a melodic framework used in Indian classical music. Each raga has its own mood, time of performance, ascending (Arohana) and descending (Avarohana) patterns, and characteristic phrases.

Unlike Western scales, ragas emphasize emotion and spirituality, making them ideal for expressive solo guitar improvisation.

Why Learn Indian Scales on Guitar?

  • ✅ Expand melodic vocabulary
  • ✅ Enhance phrasing and expression
  • ✅ Explore non-Western modes and intervals
  • ✅ Improve finger dexterity with unique note combinations

10 Essential Indian Scales (Ragas) to Practice on Guitar with Notations and Fretboard Numbers

Below are 10 widely respected ragas, their scale structures, mood, notated ascending (Arohana) and descending (Avarohana) sequences using Indian sargam notation, and fretboard number examples (in C major or D major root) for practical application.

1. Raga Yaman (Kalyani)

  • Mood: Romantic, peaceful
  • Time: Evening
  • Notation:
    Arohana: N₃ R₂ G₃ M₂ D₂ N₃ S’
    Avarohana: S’ N₃ D₂ P M₂ G₃ R₂ S
  • Fret Numbers (C Root):
    Arohana: 10(B) – 10(D) – 12(D) – 9(G) – 12(G) – 10(B) – 8(E)
    Avarohana: 8(E) – 10(B) – 12(G) – 9(G) – 9(G) – 12(D) – 10(D) – 8(E)
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2. Raga Bhairav

  • Mood: Devotional, majestic
  • Time: Early morning
  • Notation:
    Arohana: S r₁ G₃ M₁ P d₁ N₃ S’
    Avarohana: S’ N₃ d₁ P M₁ G₃ r₁ S
  • Fret Numbers (D Root):
    Arohana: 10(E) – 11(B) – 12(B) – 9(G) – 7(G) – 10(D) – 12(D) – 10(E)
    Avarohana: 10(E) – 12(D) – 10(D) – 7(G) – 9(G) – 12(B) – 11(B) – 10(E)

3. Raga Bhimpalasi

  • Mood: Yearning, introspective
  • Time: Late afternoon
  • Notation:
    Arohana: N₃ S G₂ M₁ P N₃ S’
    Avarohana: S’ N₃ D₂ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S
  • Fret Numbers (A Root):
    Arohana: 10(B) – 5(E) – 3(B) – 5(G) – 7(G) – 10(B) – 5(E)
    Avarohana: 5(E) – 10(B) – 12(G) – 7(G) – 5(G) – 3(B) – 3(B) – 5(E)

4. Raga Desh

  • Mood: Joyful, refreshing
  • Time: Monsoon evening
  • Notation:
    Arohana: N₃ S R₂ M₁ P N₃ S’
    Avarohana: S’ N₃ D₂ P M₁ G₃ R₂ S
  • Fret Numbers (C Root):
    Arohana: 10(B) – 8(E) – 10(E) – 9(G) – 10(G) – 10(B) – 8(E)
    Avarohana: 8(E) – 10(B) – 12(G) – 10(G) – 9(G) – 12(D) – 10(E)

5. Raga Todi

  • Mood: Pathos, devotion
  • Time: Morning
  • Notation:
    Arohana: S r₁ g₂ M₂ d₁ n₂ S’
    Avarohana: S’ n₂ d₁ P M₂ g₂ r₁ S
  • Fret Numbers (D Root):
    Arohana: 10(E) – 11(B) – 13(B) – 9(G) – 10(D) – 13(D) – 10(E)
    Avarohana: 10(E) – 13(D) – 10(D) – 7(G) – 9(G) – 13(B) – 11(B) – 10(E)

6. Raga Durga

  • Mood: Devotional, uplifting
  • Time: Evening
  • Notation:
    Arohana: S R₂ M₁ P D₂ S’
    Avarohana: S’ D₂ P M₁ R₂ S
  • Fret Numbers (C Major Pentatonic):
    Arohana: 8(E) – 10(E) – 9(G) – 10(G) – 12(G) – 8(E)
    Avarohana: 8(E) – 12(G) – 10(G) – 9(G) – 10(E) – 8(E)
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7. Raga Marwa

  • Mood: Serious, philosophical
  • Time: Early evening
  • Notation:
    Arohana: S r₁ G₃ M₂ D₂ N₃ S’
    Avarohana: S’ N₃ D₂ M₂ G₃ r₁ S
  • Fret Numbers (D Root):
    Arohana: 10(E) – 11(B) – 12(B) – 9(G) – 12(G) – 10(B) – 10(E)
    Avarohana: 10(E) – 10(B) – 12(G) – 9(G) – 12(B) – 11(B) – 10(E)

8. Raga Hamsadhwani

  • Mood: Bright, auspicious
  • Time: Concert opening
  • Notation:
    Arohana: S R₂ G₃ P N₃ S’
    Avarohana: S’ N₃ P G₃ R₂ S
  • Fret Numbers (C Root):
    Arohana: 8(E) – 10(E) – 12(E) – 10(D) – 12(D) – 8(E)
    Avarohana: 8(E) – 12(D) – 10(D) – 12(E) – 10(E) – 8(E)

9. Raga Kafi

  • Mood: Romantic, mellow
  • Time: Spring evenings
  • Notation:
    Arohana: S R₂ g₂ M₁ P D₂ n₂ S’
    Avarohana: S’ n₂ D₂ P M₁ g₂ R₂ S
  • Fret Numbers (D Root):
    Arohana: 10(E) – 12(E) – 13(E) – 9(G) – 10(G) – 12(G) – 13(G) – 10(E)
    Avarohana: 10(E) – 13(G) – 12(G) – 10(G) – 9(G) – 13(E) – 12(E) – 10(E)

10. Raga Charukeshi

  • Mood: Serious, intense
  • Time: Any
  • Notation:
    Arohana: S R₂ G₃ M₁ P d₁ n₂ S’
    Avarohana: S’ n₂ d₁ P M₁ G₃ R₂ S
  • Fret Numbers (C Root):
    Arohana: 8(E) – 10(E) – 12(E) – 9(G) – 10(G) – 12(G) – 13(G) – 8(E)
    Avarohana: 8(E) – 13(G) – 12(G) – 10(G) – 9(G) – 12(E) – 10(E) – 8(E)

Fretboard Diagrams – Download Now

We’ve prepared detailed fretboard diagrams for all 10 ragas (in C and D) to help you visualize and memorize each scale pattern.

➡️ Click here to download the PDF (10 Raga Fretboard Charts) (Link will be provided upon upload)

This guide includes:

  • Ascending/Descending fingering
  • Note names and intervals
  • Suggested positions for improvisation
READ MORE  Exploring Raga Yaman on Guitar: A Melodic Journey

How to Practice These Scales

  • Use a Drone App: Apps like iTablaPro or NaadSadhana simulate the tanpura drone.
  • Improvise Slowly: Focus on bends, slides, and dynamics.
  • Record Yourself: Listen back to analyze phrasing.
  • Combine with Western Concepts: Try adding harmonies or chords beneath raga melodies.

– Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust

This post is written by a guitarist trained in both Indian classical (Hindustani vocal) and Western theory. The ragas shared here have been taught in fusion guitar masterclasses and used in live performances, making this a field-tested resource.

Trusted sources:

Author’s Note

Indian ragas transformed the way I approached melody and feeling on the guitar. I hope these 10 scales inspire you to play beyond the box, explore new emotional depths, and blend traditions with creativity. Whether you’re jamming, composing, or meditating through your strings, ragas will open a whole new world.

Keep practicing—and let the ragas speak.

Signature

StrumMuse – Where culture meets technique, one raga at a time.

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