study habit

[Joplaks]

I been conentrating on scales these pass few days. I was just wondering if this is a good idea.

should I memorize my scales first and then study songs. or should I divide my time between learning scales and songs.

At this early stage I don't think my skills in scales have any real application to learning songs.

steps I am taking

1. scales
2. modes
3 chord construction
4. songs


,Fernan

[jaytee]

do both!

trust me....if you spend all your time on scales....pretty soon you will wish you could play something that resembles a song someone can recognize...its important to keep your interest sparked....

but dont quit the scales...they are really good to help you build independence in fingers and speed...not to mention just understanding of music itself.....keep building the knowledge base...

and dont forget to have FUN!

--jt

[Joplaks]

Thanks for the advice..everything tends to be confusing when new this kinds of stuff

,Fernan

[Coffee]

I agree with Jaytee. A lot of times we get caught up in the technical. I've never seen a group of people as obsessed with riffs and bits and pieces of songs and sometimes not moving on to songs. (Myself included). What you need to remember is that the practice allows you to play the songs. Music is what it's about, not exercises.

On the other hand, the exercises are awesome, especially scales for two reasons. First, it develops you ear and Second, they are simple movements which allow you to watch your hands closely and eliminate poor technique.

I'd say practice the scales slowly for about 10 minutes and then move on. Try and figure out a piece of a song or learn it from tab or standard notation. Learn some chords and have some fun. Don't forget at the early stages you need to do two primary things. Build some strength in your hands and keep your interest up.

Best of luck.

[eische]

hmmmm, I found some songs (children songs) that are based on scales so I can do both in one step, maybe you find some of those too, then you have the fun of playing something and singng along plus the technical side......

[E-string]

Originally posted by Joplaks
I been conentrating on scales these pass few days. I was just wondering if this is a good idea.

should I memorize my scales first and then study songs. or should I divide my time between learning scales and songs.

At this early stage I don't think my skills in scales have any real application to learning songs.

,Fernan

Being a lover of melodic guitar, I am also a lover of scales... I have the problems of not wanting to play chords... LOL

Obviously if you want to play the melody of a song, it helps to understand a little about playing scales... but don't overstress. Learn one scale pattern at first, and learn it well. And then USE that to make music. Afterwards, you can learn other patterns and modes as your needs and desires move you...

Better to learn one scale or scale pattern and USE it, than to know a million patterns but never play a single song....

Just my opinion. :)

[Joplaks]

Yes, After a few days of ascending and descending scales. It does seem easier to play melody now and after recording my short licks it does sound a bit better. At times it does feels very overwhelming Major, Minor Pentatonic, Blues, Minor and then Major Pentatonic and this is just the 5 basics.

right now I am going through the Blues scale at the same practicing some sweep picking on the Major and minor pentatonic.

I am still very slow at reading standard notation and I have not quite memorized the notes on the fret board I still start from the openstring and ascend to the note I am looking for.

,Fernan