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Scales

Scales are essential for such reasons.

1. They help build strength and independence in your fingers.

2. They train your ears to recognize some common note combinations.

3. They may be used as note choices in both improvisation and music writing.

The five basic scale shapes need to be memorized and played daily. They must be played in different positions; however, the best place to start is around the 5th fret. The root of the scale is signified by the red oval.

These scale forms may be played anywhere on the neck of the guitar. The name of the scale would be the name of the first note that you play on the 6^th string. For example, if you play the major scale with your 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string, then that would be an A major scale. The 5th fret, 6th string is an A note while the 3rd fret would be a G major scale. The 3rd fret, 6th string is a G note. So to be able to understand exactly which scale/key you are playing, it is important to know the name of the notes on the 6^th string.

Learn one scale at a time; don’t burden yourself by doing them all at once. After you have memorized the scale form, try these picking combinations.

1. Pick 2 times on every note. Use a strict down and up picking starting with a down pick. Make your picking movement as small as possible. Try not to let your fingers fly out too far away from the fret board.

2. Pick 3 times on every note. Again using strict down and up picking.

3. Pick 4 times on every note.

4. Pick once on every note, but use strict down and up picking. Pick down on the first note, up on the second, down on the third and so on… This needs concentration at first. Don’t get into a bad habit of picking down 2 times in a row. Strict down and up picking is the key.