The Significance of Scales

What do you think is the first thought that goes through every guitarist’s head before he cranks out a solo? No, it is not that cute blonde in the front row by the stage, it is scales. Why scales, you ask? This article will tell you why.

First of all, scales are the basis for all solos, riffs and chords. Think about it – do you think that some one practiced chords until he got them all right and then arbitrarily named them? No, the person who “discovered” chords used a scale in that key to find all of the possible chords.

And what about solos? Do you think innovative guitarists simply throw together some notes in hopes of cashing in with a superior-sounding solo? No way, Jose. Soloists spend hours and hours practicing scale after scale, until they know every note on that fretboard. Do you think John Petrucci, Kirk Hammet, Jimi Hendrix, or Joe Santriani woke up one day with the ability to shred chords, riffs, and solos with no prior knowledge of scales? No; they too spent countless hours learning the basics, including scales, before they became legends in their own time. Think of John Petrucci’s performances with Dream Theater or his own solo career; he constantly plays astonishing solos and riffs throughout every song, but he did not get there without practicing his scales. If you follow the lead of the greats and practice your scales everyday, everything else will unfold into a positive learning experience.

Some encouraging benefits of learning your scales:

Laser-guided Fretboard Destroyers: Imagine being able to play notes quickly, with the simple flick of your laser–guided fingers. If you practice guitar scales, then your fingers will become deadly laser-guided fretboard destroyers, flying across the fretboard.

Deadly Accuracy: After practicing scales, your accuracy will increase along with your speed, and your knowledge of the fretboard and its notes will improve as well. The only thing that you might lose if you do not learn your scales is the time you will spend trying reading other people’s music instead of writing your own.

Sophisticated Solo Creator: Envision being able to create your own solos, knowing every note on your fretboard. Imagine hearing someone say “show me all the notes on the fretboard that are C#.” You can do this instantaneously without even thinking about it… if you know your scales.

The last and possibly the most significant feature of scales is that they enable you to improvise your own music. Guitar music is absolutely tied to individuality and your ability to bring your own ideas to the table. So you learned someone else’s song perfectly – who cares? You will never know the fulfillment that comes from writing a song just like the greatest rock hits of our time, maybe even better. Learning scales properly allows you to learn each aspect of and note on your fretboard, and with this knowledge you can create whatever song you please. So, go to your local music store, pick up a book on scales, and start practicing!