How to Play the Raga Nalhinakanti Scale on the Guitar

The Raga Nalhinakanti scale is based on Indian classical music. It is a very beautiful scale that closely resembles the major scale of Western music. There is only a one note difference between the Raga Nalhinakanti and the Western major scale. This makes the Raga Nalhinakanti a great introduction to ragas. This scale provides a great finger exercise that is appropriate for all skill levels.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Begin the Raga Nalhinakanti by placing your second finger on the seventh fret of the A string. This is the root of the scale.

2. Continue by placing your fourth finger on the ninth fret of the A string. This is F sharp, the second degree of the Raga Nalhinakanti scale.

3. Shift to the D string and play the sixth fret with your first finger. This is G sharp, the third degree of the Raga Nalhinakanti scale.

4. Remain on the D string and play the seventh fret with your second finger. This is A, the fourth degree of the Raga Nalhinakanti scale.

5. While still on the D string, play the ninth fret with your fourth finger. This is B, the fifth degree of the Raga Nalhinakanti scale.

6. Move to the G string and play the eighth fret with your third finger. This is D sharp, the sixth degree of the Raga Nalhinakanti scale.

7. Stay on the G string and play the ninth fret with your fourth finger. This is E, the seventh degree of the Raga Nalhinakanti scale.

8. Complete the Raga Nalhinakanti scale by playing Steps 7 through 1 in reverse order until you again reach the root note.

Tips & Warnings

• Visualization is a great technique to use when practicing scales. Vividly picture the scale in your head before you play it, and you will make fewer mistakes during practice.