What is the Advantage of Using Scales?
When it comes to playing guitar, scales are a fundamental element that can elevate your playing to new heights. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the advantages of using scales will help you develop your technique, expand your musical vocabulary, and enhance your overall musicianship.
Understanding the Basics
Scales are patterns of notes that form the basis of melodies and chords in music. There are countless types of scales, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Here, we'll explore the advantages of using scales, particularly focusing on pentatonic and exotic scales, and provide some recommendations for where to find and how to use them effectively.
The Advantage of Using the Pentatonic Scale
1. Ease of Use:
The pentatonic scale is one of the most accessible and versatile scales you can use on the guitar. It consists of five notes and can be played mindlessly or with specific intent. This simplicity makes it an excellent starting point for beginners and a valuable tool for advanced players alike.
2. Enhancing Technical Skills:
Practicing pentatonic scales helps you work on your technique. You can practice ascending and descending, or mix them up to create more complex passages. It's a great way to enhance your finger dexterity and develop a better sense of rhythm and timing.
Exploring Natural and Blues Minor Scales
3. Expanding Your Musical Palette:
While the pentatonic scale is versatile, using other scales like natural minor or blues minor can enrich your music with more notes and sounds. The natural minor scale provides a few extra notes, giving you a more complex and nuanced sound. The blues minor scale is particularly effective for adding that soulful, bluesy tone to your playing.
4. Versatility in Playing:
Depending on your preferences, you can explore variations like the natural minor scale. If you prefer a more melancholic sound, the natural minor scale provides a wealth of possibilities. If you're looking for the distinctive sound associated with blues, the minor pentatonic scale is your go-to choice. Trust me, once you experiment with these variations, you'll find endless possibilities.
Diving into Exotic and Foreign Scales
5. Discovering New Music:
There are many exotic and foreign scales that can introduce you to a world of new and fascinating sounds. These scales are often used in traditional music from various cultures and can add an exotic touch to your playing. Experimenting with these scales can help you create unique and innovative melodies that stand out from the crowd.
6. Becoming a Well-Rounded Musician:
With over 30 standard scales, including 25 standard scales, 7 major modes, 7 harmonic minor modes, and 7 melodic minor modes, there are countless possibilities to explore. These scales are essential tools for any musician, providing a comprehensive understanding of music theory and allowing you to become more versatile in your playing.
Where to Find and Use Scales
7. Utilizing Books and Apps:
Explore a wide range of books and guitar scales apps that can help you find and use scales effectively. When looking for books, make sure they provide clear explanations and examples. Apps can be especially helpful, as they often offer interactive features and allow you to practice in real-time. Some excellent apps include 'Smart Chord,' which introduces you to chords you've never heard of, and 'Guitar Scale Wizard,' which provides a vast library of scales spelled out in numbered, arpeggiated, and chord forms.
8. Innovative Learning:
Embrace the technology available to you. 'Smart Learning' is a powerful approach that can make your learning process more efficient. With 'Smart Chord,' for example, you can discover chords you've never encountered in your 54 years of playing. This can be a refreshing change and help you break out of your comfort zone.
In conclusion, scales are not just a starting point for your musical journey; they are a powerful tool that can enhance your playing and expand your musical horizons. Whether you're focusing on pentatonic, natural minor, or exotic scales, there are endless possibilities to explore. By using these scales effectively, you can become a more versatile and dynamic guitarist.