Incorporating Scales

silverboy
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Mon May 11, 2009 9:46 pm

Hey all,

I don't like practicing scales because I never use them. I don't use them because I don't know them. It's a conundrum.

Don't get me wrong, I've practiced them, tried to learn them (minor pentatonics, major scales etc) but I can't figure out how to incorporate them. I can't remember what I don't use.


Can anyone help me figure out how to make scales fun and want to use them? Is there a good song I should learn that uses them to connect a chord progression?

thanks!


dtaylor
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Tue May 12, 2009 1:20 am

Playing scales just to play them would turn off most guitarists--it would me! The only time I really think about them is when I'm soloing. Once you are familiar with a few popular scales my advice would be to play a simple chord progression and incorporate a two or three-note run between chord changes. Take the notes from the appropriate scale (e.g.: minor pentatonic for blues, rock, etc.) and have fun with it. You'll learn how the scale notes fit into the progression, what works, and what doesn't.


rcsnydley
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Tue May 12, 2009 9:32 am

Another thing you can do if you have a way to record yourself is to record a 2 - 4 chord progression. Then play it back and work on leads over it.

Remember leads are not scales. One way to do it to start with just one note and play a rhythmic lead, then increase to two notes, etc. It isn't the amount of notes (or different notes) you play it's what you do with them that makes a good lead.

I hope this helps out some.

Keep Playing
Ric


silverboy
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Sun May 17, 2009 7:39 pm

Thanks guys. I'll give these ideas a try.


Chasplaya
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Tue May 19, 2009 6:39 pm

Neil does a couple of good videos where you improvise and play the Blues scale while he plays the backing. Its good fun and helps make sense of scales to newbies. (and oldies!)


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