Paying Attention While Running Scales

[mellowsoon]

Does everyone here think it's important to pay attention while going through scales? Sometimes I'll go through all the scales I know for an hour while watching TV or something. I'm not really listening to what I'm doing. I'm not saying that's the case all of the time, but at least half the time. I mean, most of it is about muscle memory, right?

[Elrend]

I personally believe that it is better to know the sound and function of a scale rather than simply knowing a repetitive pattern, it will be easy to transfer to all keys in all positions on practically all instruments this way. And it will also help a whole lot when writing sheet music.

[BassMan7530]

I would definitly agree with muscle memory; I'd say it's pretty important to ingrain that early on. But also challenge yourself by learning to play scales with different fingerings in order to add variety and mix it up a little bit. For exmaple, when playing a C major scale, you can play the C and D on one string, E F and G on the next, and A B and the C octave on the last string. You could also play the same scale by playing C D and E on one string, F G and A on the next, and the B and C octave on the last string. Of course, you should apply this to every scale or mode you know and it will help you learn your way around the neck much more easily, and get you familiar faster.

Recently, however, I have been starting to think about the individual notes I play; something I never took the time to do a couple years ago when I started. My guitarist is very knowledgable at knowing the notes in a scale or in any spot on the fretboard and can name them quickly, and although I can do much the same, I can't do it as effortlessly as he can. What I have been doing is thinking of the sharps or flats that are in the scale I am playing, and then just say the name of each note as I play it. I already have the muscle memory down well, but now I'm moving forward in an effort to really get to know how the scales work and what notes they are comprised of.

So I guess my answer is a bit of agreement but a bit of disagreement as well. Either way, I hope this helps!

Brian

[fearceol]

My teacher says it is more beneficial, once you have mastered the scale, to play it in thirds, and then try to make music with it, by playing the notes at random. I think this makes more sense than repeating the scale pattern, because this is not what's involved in actually playing. Playing scales while watching TV etc is ok for muscle memory, but your full attention is required IMO, in order to hear the different sounds within the scale.

[Ed Fuqua]

What memory does your muscle have that your ear doesn't? It's the same brain, right? What you are really teaching yourself to do is TUNE OUT when you have your instrument in your hands. Instead, try to teach yourself focus and TUNING IN.

[Ed Fuqua]

Additionally, scalework is primarily to isolate problems in position shifts and control issues with the plucking/picking hand. If you're not pay attention, how do you understand what those issues are?

[slybass3000]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Additionally, scalework is primarily to isolate problems in position shifts and control issues with the plucking/picking hand. If you're not pay attention, how do you understand what those issues are?

+1

This is one of the main reason to listen to your playing while practicing.

Sly

[MalcolmAmos]

IMO we run scales to get out fingers doing what they should and get our ears hearing the good notes from the bad. If you are tuned out you are only getting half of the value. Now in my other life as a rhythm guitarist I do advicate breaking in a new strum pattern while watching TV. I classify that as pure muscle memory.

My instructor (on rhythm guitar) told me he listens to my scales to see if I catch a mistake and correct it. Unless I correct it he told me I was just getting real good at doing the wrong thing.

[JTE]

Running scales is utterly pointless. Now if you practice scales with your ear and brain fully engaged, then you will learn how scales and intervals sound and go together.

This is why I think SINGING scales is vitally important. Sing the note BEFORE you play it so your ear and muscles are learning at the same time. Otherwise it's just muscles with music tottaly removed from the equation- aterrible mistake to make.

John

[mellowsoon]

Originally Posted by BassMan7530

I would definitly agree with muscle memory; I'd say it's pretty important to ingrain that early on. But also challenge yourself by learning to play scales with different fingerings in order to add variety and mix it up a little bit. For exmaple, when playing a C major scale, you can play the C and D on one string, E F and G on the next, and A B and the C octave on the last string. You could also play the same scale by playing C D and E on one string, F G and A on the next, and the B and C octave on the last string. Of course, you should apply this to every scale or mode you know and it will help you learn your way around the neck much more easily, and get you familiar faster.

Great idea. I guess one of the reasons I'm tuning out while practicing is they're getting boring. For some reason it hasn't crossed my mind to mix them up in that way.

[Professor Jones]

Running scales is pratically useless from a musical point of view, however I do use it to work on my technique and rythm (I always run them with a metronome, gradually increasing the speed). I start every practice session by doing that, also a good way to warm up. I also follow the circle of 4ths when running them.

It is boring indeed, and I used to watch an episode of the simpons while running my scales. But now I try do concentrate on what I'm doing, so I can correct my mistakes.

I suggest that you run scales for a shorter time, so you can do it in a more focused and efficient way.