Yet more scale questions :)

[zbalz]

I've heard the both the terms "master" and "learn" used in conjunction with scale lately. as in...I just mastered c major scale or as in i just learned the c major scale. I was just wondering what the difference is. To me, a term like master seems extremely strong compared to the term "learn". That is why I am assuming when you learn a scale, you merely know the patterns, notes, etc. while when you master a scale, you know combinations of the patterns and how to apply the scale. Also, how long did/does it take you guys to "master" or "learn" a scale? What does it take to completely learn a scale?

Also stonedragon, what program do you use to write up your grids shown in lesson three theory to show the scale pattern? I think it may be easier for me to break down the fretboard with something like that.

Thanks

-zbalz

[ghodaddyyo]

Wow! I agree with you that Master is such a strong word. Just when I think I've got the Minor Pentatonic scale down, someone comes along and plays it in ways I've never heard and makes me question how well I really do know the scale.

One way I feel that I understand a scale better, is when I can recognize it by ear. I don't mean in the scale form either, I mean actually hearing someone play a solo and being able to say, "Man that was great phrasing he used in that Melodic Minor run". Then after being able to "hear" the scale inside out, you have to transfer that knowledge to your guitar.

Anyway, that's a start to what could be a huge discussion to "mastering" scales.

http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif john, needing to dissect more scales.

[StoneDragon]

My interpretation:

Learn - You have a scale learned when you have the mechanics of the scale under your fingertips... you know the notes and intervals of the scale... you can play it on the guitar in every key and at any location without having to stop and search for the notes... you can play the scale forward and backward without making mistakes... you don't have to sit there and "think" about it.

Master - You have a scale mastered when you know it so well that you don't even see it as a scale anymore. Imagine Van Gogh(sp) looking at his pallet and having to stop and think, "That is the color green. I can use that color to paint grass."... NO WAY!!! It's all just shades of color, and the artist draws from the colors to paint the masterpiece that he sees in his mind (soul).

zbalz,

I draw up the scale and chord diagrams in Corel. CyberCobre made me some templates, so all I have to do is copy and past the dots.... really cool http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/cool.gif

If you just want some blank neck diagrams, go here (http://zentao.com/guitar/theory/neck-diagrams.html). I set it up so you can print it out.

[Retro]

A QUOTE:
"Wow! I agree with you that Master is such a strong word. Just when I think I've got the Minor Pentatonic scale down, someone comes along and plays it in ways I've never heard and makes me question how well I really do know the scale."
- ghodaddyyo


Yeah I know what you mean ghodaddyyo. In a band that I was recently playing in, I would listen to the other guitar player and think wow his stuff is really sounding good, he is so versatile. At the same time, I'm thinking man I'm stuck in a rut and tired of hearing these same licks coming from my guitar! Well, one night after we played, I get an e-mail from him complimenting my playing saying that I'm not stuck in a rut like he is with his playing. Man, it blew me away. I guess we tend to notice our own ruts more because we're stuck in them and get to hear it all the time. To someone else, our old rut music may be new and exciting stuff. But man does it get musty in these here ruts! http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Retro (edited September 26, 2000).]

[ghodaddyyo]

Retro, thanks for the the boost!http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif Maybe I just need to find more guitarists to jam with.

[StoneDragon]

This is sooo true.... When I am playing I usually think it is pretty lame. I see somebody else play and I think that they are doing some exciting stuff and wish that I could break out of my own ruts. But, if I get a chance to listen to what I played well after I have forgotten what I played I will sometimes think that I sound pretty damn good.... it's funny.

Everybody has their favorite patterns and pet licks that haunt them.

[Retro]

Ghodaddyyo,

To bad your out on the left coast and I'm on the gulf, I'm allways looking for someone to jam with. http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/wink.gif

[Play-Da-Blues]

I'm SOOOO confused.http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/confused.gif I have only made it to lesson 2 and I have found some scales here and there, but I don't know the difference.

I'm aware of penitonic scales, Phrygean, and the major scale. But, I'm not quite up to speed on a few things.

1) in an earlier post I saw this-

"Man that was great phrasing he used in that Melodic Minor run".

What in gods name is that from?http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/eek.gif

I've seen on other other topics here, people talking about the Major scale. It's 1W, 1W, 1H, 1W, 1W, 1W, 1H. How do I apply this up and down the fret board? (w=Whole, H= Half)

Will I learn about these and other exotic scales here? I haven't gotten a local teacher, I am exclusivly trying to put together a good foundation from this site.

I have learned the fret board up to the 12th fret and I'm working hard on the Major and Minor cords from lesson 1. So please, if it seems I'm a little behind, I am. I'm the new guy...http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Thanks....

[StoneDragon]

Don't sweat it. It's easy to feel like you are behind with all the information that is available at the click of a mouse.

Just keep working through the lessons and you will find the answers to most of the questions that you are asking. You might also want to check out the Theory Lessons (http://www.zentao.com/guitar/theory/). That will give you a taste of some of the technical stuff.

Eventually, everything that is currently covered in the theory lessons will be included in the beginner lessons. It will take a while though. There's a lot of technique that has to be covered and practiced before much of the theory is going to do you any good.

Between working through the lessons and asking questions here, you'll get it all put together.

[Play-Da-Blues]

Thanks dude, I love this site....

Mike