How to Play the Raga Nagasvaravali Scale on the Guitar

A raga is a scale based on Indian classical music that is played at a certain time of the day. The Raga Nagasvaravali scale has a very open and airy sound. You can develop some beautiful and relaxing melodies from the five notes of this scale.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin playing the scale. Place your second finger (middle finger) on the fifth fret of the sixth string. This is the note A, the root note of the Raga Nagasvaravali scale.

2. Play the fourth fret of the fifth string with your first finger (forefinger.) This is the note C sharp, the second degree of the Raga Nagasvaravali scale.

3. Play the fifth fret of the fifth string with your second finger. This note is a D. It is the third degree of the Raga Nagasvaravali scale.

4. Use your fourth finger (pinky) to play the seventh fret of the fifth string. This note is an E. It is the fourth degree of the Raga Nagasvaravali scale.

5. Continue up to the fourth fret of the fourth string. Play this fret with your first finger. This is an F sharp, the fifth degree of the Raga Nagasvaravali scale.

6. Play the final note of the scale by placing your fourth finger on the seventh fret of the fourth string. This is the note A, played one octave higher than the A note you played in step one.

7. Play steps six through one in reverse order. Begin at the final note you played in step six and return to the beginning of the scale.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to improvise a melody playing the notes of this scale. New scales are a great improvisational and songwriting tool.