How to Play the Raga Manohari Scale on the Guitar

The Raga Manohari scale is based on Indian classical music. It has a melancholy sound that is a great tool for songwriting. The scale is also a great exercise for your fingers. The Raga Manohari scale is appropriate for beginning to advanced students of the guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin the Raga Manohari scale by locating the A string on your instrument and playing the third fret with your first finger. This is the root.

2. Stay on the A string and play the sixth fret with your fourth finger. This is E flat, the second degree of the Raga Manohari scale.

3. Continue on to the D string and play the third fret with your first finger. This is F, the third degree of the Raga Manohari scale.

4. Stay on the D string and play the fifth fret with your third finger. This is G, the fourth degree of the Raga Manohari scale.

5. Shift to the G string and play the second fret with your first finger. This is A, the fifth degree of the Raga Manohari scale.

6. Remaining on the G string, play the third fret with your second finger. This is B flat, the sixth degree of the Raga Manohari scale.

7. Stay on the G string and play the fifth fret with your fourth finger. This is C, the seventh degree of the Raga Manohari scale.

8. Finally, return to the root of the Raga Manohari scale by playing steps seven through one in reverse order.

Tips & Warnings

• When first learning a scale, play each note with a long rhythmic duration such as a whole note or quarter note until you are comfortable with the scale pattern.