Scale Practicing

[zbalz]

Hey everyone. I am STILL working on the c major scale and I think it is because Im not too sure how to master it. Right now...to practice this scale I go up and down the strings naming the notes and following the pattern up to the 20th fret and back. I can do that fine right now. However, I am sure that the average guitarist doesnt go up the string to play since many of the notes overlap on the next string. I had an idea to map out scales that go down the strings so I can access all notes more easily...kind of like breaking up the scale pattern on the fretboard and isolating it to about 3 or 4 frets. Is this a good idea? Any good ideas on how to practice/master scales?

Thanks

-zbalz

[MrSamson]

Well, eventually, you are going to want to look at these scales across the strings.

IF you are just starting...up and down one string is an excellent way to start. That is what I did anyway...

My first guitar was a lower model Ibanez...so I put stickers on the fretboard underneath all of the C notes...and like you, that is the scale I focused on.

When I started...I did triplet exercises up and down one string at a time...going as slow as necessary to do it correctly...starting and stopping on C....and going up and down the fretboard...

MrSamson

[StoneDragon]

Check out my theory lesson on the major scale (http://www.zentao.com/guitar/theory/major-scale.html). That should give you some ideas. Also check out the melodic patterns lesson (http://www.zentao.com/guitar/patterns/).

Don't underestimate the value of spending a lot of time playing the scale(s) up and down the individual strings, though. I've never run into a guitarist who complained about being stuck moving up and down the neck... but I've met plenty (including myself) who have been frustrated at being stuck in patterns and positions.