How to Play the Raga Gaula Scale on the Guitar

One scale within Indian classical music is the Raga Gaula. The flat second and raised final degree of the scale contribute to its unique sound. The Raga Gaula scale has a step pattern of half step, minor third, half step, whole step, major third, and finally a half step. This scale is appropriate for beginner to advanced skill levels and is a great scale to base your next solo session around.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• guitar

1. Begin the scale by placing your middle finger on the seventh fret of the sixth string. This is the root of the Raga Gaula scale.

2. Continue by placing your third finger on the eighth fret of the sixth string. This is C. C is the second degree of the Raga Gaula scale.

3. Use first finger to play the sixth fret of the fifth string. This is D sharp. D sharp is the third degree of the Raga Gaula scale.

4. Use your second finger to play the seventh fret of the fifth string. This is E. E is the fourth degree of the Raga Gaula scale.

5. Use your fourth finger to play the ninth fret of the fifth string. This is F sharp. F sharp is the fifth degree of the Raga Gaula scale.

6. Play the eighth fret of the fourth string with your second finger. This note is A sharp. A sharp is the sixth degree of the Raga Gaula scale.

7. Play the ninth fret of the fourth string with your fourth finger. This note is one octave higher than the root note of the scale. Finish the scale by playing steps seven through one in reverse order to return to the original root note.

8. Finish the scale by playing steps seven through one in reverse order to return to the original root note.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your scales with a metronome. Gradually increase the tempo on the metronome as your skill improves.