The Use Of Scales

One of the most common questions I get from students is: "Why should I learn scales?" Some wonder if scales are essential for their playing, while others ask whether they should spend more time practicing scales rather than songs.

The truth is, scales are the backbone of melody, improvisation, and technical development on the guitar. They serve as a roadmap for navigating the fretboard, enabling you to play fluently and confidently. Learning scales is not just about finger exercises; it is about developing control, precision, and musicality.

Why Scales Matter

Scales are fundamental for every guitarist, whether you play rock, jazz, blues, or metal. They help with:

• Fretboard Navigation: Understanding scales allows you to move freely across the neck without getting lost.
• Improvisation: Scales help you craft solos and melodies that fit the key of the song.
• Technique & Dexterity: Practicing scales improves finger strength, speed, and coordination.
• Music Theory Application: Scales help in recognizing chord tones, arpeggios, and harmonic relationships.

Watch any legendary guitarist—Slash, Steve Vai, Ritchie Kotzen, Kirk Hammett, or Al Di Meola. Their solos, whether structured or improvised, flow effortlessly because they have mastered scales and their applications.

Practicing Scales the Right Way

To truly benefit from scales, you need to practice them correctly. Here are some key tips:

• Use a metronome to develop timing and accuracy.
• Practice both ascending and descending patterns.
• Play in different rhythmic subdivisions (triplets, sixteenth notes, etc.).
• Apply alternate picking and economy picking for efficiency.
• Experiment with sequencing (e.g., playing in groups of three or four notes).
• Integrate scale patterns into real musical contexts by creating licks and phrases.

It’s not just about running up and down the fretboard. You must internalize the scales and use them musically.

Different Scale Systems: CAGED & Three-Note-Per-String

There are two popular approaches to mapping scales on the fretboard:

1. The CAGED System

The CAGED system is based on open chord shapes—C, A, G, E, and D. This system helps guitarists visualize the fretboard in familiar shapes, making it easier to connect scales with chord progressions.

Advantages of the CAGED System:

• Provides five easy-to-memorize scale shapes.
• Links scales with chord positions across the neck.
• Helps in understanding intervals and arpeggios.
• Makes learning chord inversions easier.

2. The Three-Note-Per-String System

The three-note-per-string system spreads scale patterns evenly across the fretboard, allowing for fluid motion and speed.

Advantages of the Three-Note-Per-String System:

• Great for shredding and speed playing.
• Uses consistent finger patterns for easy memorization.
• Ideal for alternate picking and economy picking.
• Helps in developing smooth legato playing.

While the CAGED system focuses on chord integration, the three-note-per-string system emphasizes technical fluidity. The best approach? Combine both methods!

My Journey with Scales

When I was 14, my first guitar teacher, Justin Breame, introduced me to the three-note-per-string system. I started improvising over Steve Vai and Joe Satriani tracks, thrilled by the sound of fast, technical solos.

However, I faced a major problem: I didn’t understand how to play chords beyond basic open shapes. This became an issue when I had to change keys or structure my solos more melodically.

Then, I discovered the CAGED system. Initially, I dismissed it, thinking, "I’m already fast, why learn more?" But as I studied it, I realized how it connected scales with chord progressions, making my playing more versatile.

By combining CAGED for structure and three-note-per-string for speed, my playing transformed. I could improvise freely while still maintaining musical coherence.

Final Thoughts

Scales are a crucial part of any guitarist’s journey. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, mastering both the CAGED system and three-note-per-string shapes will elevate your playing.

Remember:

• Scales improve technique, accuracy, and improvisation.
• Practice with a metronome to develop timing.
• Learn scales in different keys and positions to expand fretboard knowledge.
• Use both CAGED and three-note-per-string for a balanced approach.

Most importantly, apply what you learn musically. Use scales in solos, explore new sounds, and keep pushing your boundaries!

Happy playing!