Scale question

frybaby
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:41 pm

When practicing scales, should one be concentrating on, the finger patterns, the interval relationships, the actual notes being played. Hope it not all of the above.


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Music Junkie
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 1:26 pm

frybaby:

I asked Neil that question during a TG Live and his answer was "All of the Above"....lol Most important in there though, if I remember correctly, was the scale degree. For example, if you are playing a C major scale, you should know when you play the G note, that you are playing the fifth of the scale.

Hope that helps!

MJ


frybaby
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Tue Dec 29, 2009 2:51 pm

Thank MJ, just another example of why we should all be Target Members.
Regarding intervals and scale degrees, I just thought I would share one of the exercises I have developed that helps me figure what scale degree is where on the neck..
I memorized the scale degree between strings on a common fret, for example in any given fret, if given the root note or scale degree 1 is on the 6th string, then the scale degree are alwas as follows an you go from strings 6 to 5 to 4 ect. always remaining is the same fret. considering sting 6 string = scale degree 1, then 5 string = scale degree 4, sting 4 = degree b7, sting 3 = degree b3, string 2 = degree 5 and string 1(little e) = degree 1. With those degrees as reference points I can easily find the other scale degrees on any given string.

I have a system if the root is on strings other that 6, but it a little difficult to explain
Hope this proves useful.

Frybaby


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Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:25 pm

Good way to reference it for yourself. I am horrible...... I started out memorizing patterns, but not degrees or notes. Now I can play many scales backwards and forwards, but have no clue what to do with them.....lol I am starting to go back and slowly learn the degrees and actual notes. I will mess around with your reference and see how it feels for me. This instrument can be such a great thing, and it can also be a lot of work.....lol The key, as always, is to just have fun!

MJ


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