• Registered: 2012-12-23
  • Posts: 159

Topic: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Hi,

I'm working on learning scales, in part, to expand finger flexibility and control. When I observe experienced players, I note that they keep their fingers hovering very close to the fret board, and use a smooth flowing motion as they progress through a scale.

Are there any tips people have to help me work on keeping my fingers close to the fret board and developing a smooth sense of flow? Is it just a matter of practicing the scale over and over, or are there specific things I should focus on? 

Thanks.

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

I think you hit it buddy.  Practice is the only way to go.  Lots of practice and your fingers will get there before you do.

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  • From: Bellevue, WA
  • Registered: 2006-06-15
  • Posts: 3,336

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Practice a lot.  Then practice some more.

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  • Registered: 2012-12-23
  • Posts: 159

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep practicing. Heck, in a year or two, I may even have it down!

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

My recommendation is that you keep your fingers hovering close to the fretboard then use a smooth flowing motion to play your scales. 

To get the smooth flowing motion, get a metronome.  Play as slowly as you need to to play the scale perfectly.  Play your scales 5 to 15 minutes per day, playing as slowly as you need to to play the scale perfectly (with your fingers hovering close to the fretboard).  Be absolutely certain to use alternate picking (Youtube it if you don't know what that means, there are a zillion videos and this is one of those picture is better than 1,000 words deals).  Somewhere between three days and 17 years, you too will be playing scales with a smooth flowing motion. 

And no, I am not kidding with the time frame.  Some people get it immediately, others like myself have been at it for six or eight years and are just kind of beginning to get it. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
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  • Registered: 2012-12-23
  • Posts: 159

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Thanks for the additional advice Zurf. Using a metronome when practicing is really helpful!  I have to admit, however, that I've never felt comfortable using a pick, and so I mostly do finger picking. I suppose I'll have to learn it sometime . . .

Here's another question: there are SO MANY types of scales, so which ones do you think are important to learn first?

  • zguitar
  • Don't call me Sir
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  • From: Mentone, Ca
  • Registered: 2009-01-10
  • Posts: 1,367

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Check out Justinguitar.com. He has lots of info on scales and technique.

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  • beamer
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  • THE METALIZER. Naughty Rocker Boy.
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  • From: WASHINGTON ST
  • Registered: 2006-07-29
  • Posts: 2,811

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

the major scale and major and minor pentatonic. the pentatonic is the mother of all blues and rock scales.

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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Learn movable major and minor pentatonic scale shapes.  Major for country music and minor for rock and blues.

If you finger pick, the alternating picking doesn't apply.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Mixolydian and dorian.

  • Zurf
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Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

Minor pentatonic is blue, but dorian is grey.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

I just throw a b5 in the dorian and call it pentadorian. Which of course makes no sense since pentatonic means 5 notes. But it works for me. So there. smile

Plus for my money there's nothing cooler than a resolution to the 9 once you hit the V7 chord. Not possible when playing straight minor pento.

  • Registered: 2012-12-23
  • Posts: 159

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

zguitar wrote:

Check out Justinguitar.com. He has lots of info on scales and technique.

Yeah, I rely on Justin for a lot of good information. Thanks to Justin I learned how to play one of my favorite Pink Floyd songs: Wish You Were Here.

  • Registered: 2012-12-23
  • Posts: 159

Re: Proper Technique for Playing Scale

beamer wrote:

the major scale and major and minor pentatonic. the pentatonic is the mother of all blues and rock scales.

Thanks, I've started working on the Pentatonic scale beginning with Em.