A Collection of Scale Tabs

Scale Pattern Introduction

Every guitar player or improviser needs a variety of scales to draw upon when playing. Like in that never ending quest for tone or personal original sound, guitarist also need scales that are traditional all the way to the onesmore exotic in structure and sound. This collection is the most common scales I use and so do many other guitarist and improvisers. Most you'll see will work for improvising to all types of Music.

How to learn Scales

When learning a new scale, I begin by studying and practicing the individual patterns. Paying particular attention to the Root notes in each of the patterns. I start by playing half the pattern or scale, which covers an octive. Generally I play the patteren across the fingerboard, then I start connecting two patterns, moving back and forth from one to the other working out the appropriate fingering and shifts. Then I start building runs that span 3 or more patterns.

There are always alternative ways of fingering. Explore them all. Different fingerings will result in new musical ideas which will expand your beyond and allow you to play in ways you hadn't imagined. Experiment with different rhythmic groupings like eight notes, sixteenth's, triplets things like that. Even invent your own different exercises when practicing. This will allow you to develop new ideas and advance you in ways you hadn't thought before.

Additional Thoughts

I'll suggest that work on Ear training while your working on learning scales. I recommend that you record a chord and listen to it while your trying to get the scale memorized and in your fingers. This will also help you with hearing how the scale sounds with a chord or chord progression whether it be in the same key or a related key.

Do yourself a favor and don't just do mindless practicing. What may happen is you might have a negative experience then eventually your love and passion for playing will desolve leaving you to wonder throught life without giving yourself the chance to travel beyond horizons and reflect the true you. Playing guitar should be uplifting and a positive experience. It will promote and bring out the best in you in more ways than you thought.

Concentrate on what your doing, try being musical, play with some feelings and intent. Work on getting your guitar to Talk

Where to Start

Learn the major scale and its modes first, being these are by far the most important. Then move on to the blues and pentatonic scales for playing Rock&Roll and Blues. Move on to the Melodic minor and Harmonic minor for playing jazz. Along your way you'll find Diminished and Whole tone scales very useful. Don't stop there, scales like the Dorian and Mixolydian will capture your imagination and carry you places you've never been.