Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas provides some clarity on the subject of scales.
The Guitar Player's Resource
Whether composing, improvising, or simply practicing technique, the importance of scales cannot be underestimated. Scales are organized sequences of notes played in an ascending or descending order that can help players build finger strength and dexterity, as well as help the improvisor/composer to establish moods and tell a story. Within any linear sequence of notes, you'll typically hear musical tension and resolution. While many guitarists begin their training with the 5-note Pentatonic scale, there is much to learn and absorb with the variety of scales that can be applied in creative ways over a myriad of chord progressions.
Here are dozens of articles by our columnists that have appeared over the years on the subject of scales, scale patterns, scale connection and more.
Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas provides some clarity on the subject of scales.
Here it is, it`s right here, it`s here now and it`s right here for you - scale practicing that opens up creative options.
Are you playing too much? Well, it may be that you are not using enough pentatonic scales in your soloing!
You might think that the pentatonic scale is just an easy scale but with no depth - well, you are wrong.
Discover how learning scales actually fosters creativity.
Mike teaches you scale sequences (in the Hanon style, adapted from piano) that are great for your dexterity and precision.
Deepen your knowledge of the Minor Pentatonic scale, free yourself from the “5 boxes slavery”, expand your phrasing vocabulary and stimulate your creativity.
Mike digs a little deeper into the Altered scale, aka Super Locrian.
Building your chops while making practice time more interesting and even, fun.
Now, Mike mixes up the rhythms when practicing scales to make things that much more interesting.
Koto on guitar - let's get exotic, shall we?
The pentatonic scale contains 5 notes; the melodic combinations you have to work with are endless.