How do you learn scales?

[Chistopher]

One of our comrades started a thread recently about what scales we all use. That got me to thinking, how do y'all learn your scales?

Here's what I do:

1. I learn the pattern-
   
   For example, the Major Pentatonic is the root, and then II, III, V, and VI. I memorize and internalize the numbers.
   
   
2. I practice the pattern on one string-
   
   I use this pattern on one string, and I use different root notes so that I can play it in different keys. This helps me know the scale vertically up and down the neck.
   
   
3. I use the box system-
   
   I think this is refered to as "CAGED", but I've never used that system so I don't know too much about it. But I do this so I can string hop horizontally across the neck.
   
   
4. I start combining boxes-
   
   I basically just start mixing together more and more boxes until I can play the whole scale. I do this to synthesize steps 2 and 3, allowing me to play to th horizontally and vertically across the neck in all keys.

I like this way because it doesn't get me stuck in one area of the neck or allow me to get repetitive.

 

[Mincer]

Re: How do you learn scales?

I learn the pattern.
Then learn the chords.
Come up with a chord progression using the chords.
Loop the chords.
Practice improvising with one position of the scale.
Learn the next position of the scale.
Improvise over the loop with that.
Practice connecting the 2 scales.
Then learn the 3rd position...repeat.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Re: How do you learn scales?

Yeah, I would imagine a looper would be very helpful put to use that way. But.. I don't learn scales anymore ..otherwise I did it the usual way ie playing them in all positions down the neck. Now I just use the loop pedal as a jam tool ..jam a whole lot over all kinds of completely different music & don't consciously pay any heed to scales. I think that's helped me with a lot of 'real-time' stuff that's great for improvisation ..sense of melody, direction, speed, phrasing, individuality & identity (not too common these days :laugh2 & pretty much everything else...

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: How do you learn scales?

You guys have hit on some good ways to do this.
I’ll add that playing over a static chord instead of a progression is a good first step, especially when learning how the scale degrees interact over the individual chord instead of a progression that is designed to work well with a particular scale.

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: How do you learn scales?

^I wonder how that approach helps you understand a particular scale, cause doesn't a scale IS designed to fit a specific chord and playing it over different chords paint an idea how this scale fits/ clashes with that chord?

 

[Mincer]

Re: How do you learn scales?

You guys have hit on some good ways to do this.
I’ll add that playing over a static chord instead of a progression is a good first step, especially when learning how the scale degrees interact over the individual chord instead of a progression that is designed to work well with a particular scale.

I play over static chords all the time, usually with no rhythmic element at all. But I also believe to the sound of a scale is more about the relationship of the notes to the underlying chords than to each other.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: How do you learn scales?

Well, I never said ONLY play over a static chord...I said a good FIRST STEP is to do that.
If you don’t understand how 1’s-3’s-5’s function over a single chord then you’ll never fully be able to intelligently improvise over changes. Just ask any jazzer.

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: How do you learn scales?

^1 is always the tonic, 3 determines whether a chord is minor or major. I don't get this 'playing over a static chord in order to understand scale', really. Care to explain?

 

[Gtrjunior]

How do you learn scales?

^1 is always the tonic, 3 determines whether a chord is minor or major. I don't get this 'playing over a static chord in order to understand scale', really. Care to explain?

It’s about learning to CHOOSE a target note and not learning a pattern.
By you not understanding what im driving at tells me that you only know the definition of the functions of the degrees but likely don’t have a true working knowledge of it.

No disrespect intended but it’s a simple concept, really.
Try looping a static Dm7 chord. Then play the Dorian mode over it. Then play Aeolian over it. Can you hear the difference that only one different note makes?
I’ve never heard you play, maybe you’re a guitar master, idk. If so, I’ll shut up. But that’s my method, if it isn’t for you then so be it.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: How do you learn scales?

Good stuff Chris.

 

[Mincer]

Re: How do you learn scales?

It’s about learning to CHOOSE a target note and not learning a pattern.
By you not understanding what im driving at tells me that you only know the definition of the functions of the degrees but likely don’t have a true working knowledge of it.

No disrespect intended but it’s a simple concept, really.
Try looping a static Dm7 chord. Then play the Dorian mode over it. Then play Aeolian over it. Can you hear the difference that only one different note makes?
I’ve never heard you play, maybe you’re a guitar master, idk. If so, I’ll shut up. But that’s my method, if it isn’t for you then so be it.

This is essentially what I do. I might take it further, and loop a low D note. Then hear different modes across different keys. (D dorian, D mixolydian, D melodic minor).

 

[Clint 55]

Re: How do you learn scales?

Learning the different positions is good for being able to play fluently wherever you are on the neck.

Pentatonic Scale


Blues Scale

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: How do you learn scales?

I add stuff to one side then add stuff to the other until it is in balance.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: How do you learn scales?

I add stuff to one side then add stuff to the other until it is in balance.

It was funnier on the other thread. This one was a bit of a stretch.

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: How do you learn scales?

My bad. Still, this is the way I do it.

 

[kingsnake]

Re: How do you learn scales?

I pull out my book of scales, learn the first pattern and use it to solo over the proper chords for a long time. (there are plenty of backing tracks in all keys on youtube if you don't have a looper or recording stuff).

After getting it down to the point it stops sounding corny, learning the rest of the patterns is much easier because you know the notes.

I use the good ole Guitar Grimoire book.