4 ways to spice up your scales
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction• Scales can be a real sore spot for
musicians but they don't have to be.
• You can make scales more interesting to practice.
• Get the benefit without the boredom!
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The problem with scales is that we learn them in a dull way - they're not musical at all!
• We use scales to get fluent fingering, pass exams, and understand music theory.
• Scales are the foundation of music and music is fun - so scales should be too!
• Approach scales in the right way they can be musical and rewarding.
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A scale is simply a series of notes in ascending or descending order, which by itself isn't very interesting.• Playing scales this way is useful for developing
instrument skills.
• Don't get too focused on this, it isn't the only way to play scales.
• Music exams have a lot to answer for!
• Introducing listening skills to scale practice makes it more enjoyable and more useful.
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To make scales interesting, start by asking yourself why you're learning them and how it will help you in your musical life.
• When starting a project it's valuable to ask "why am I doing this anyway?"
• Why are you learning scales? Fluent fingering, passing exams, easier improvisation, something else?
• Get clear on your "why" and remind yourself of it each time you practice.
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Make your scales practice musical: relate each scale you play to the rest of your music practice.
• The big problem with scales: they're divorced from real music.
• Every time you practice scales try to connect it to your musical life.
• Find ways to turn your scales into something which actually sounds like music.
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1: Instead of only playing scales ascending and descending, try playing the notes in different patterns.• Playing ascending and descending is good, but not the
only way to play the scale's notes!
• e.g. Three-note runs = playing C Major as "C-D-E,D-E-F,E-F-G,..."
• e.g. Arpeggios up and down= playing C Major as "C-E-G-C-G-E-C"
• Come up with your own patterns and play each scale with that new pattern.
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2: Instead of just playing with a regular beat, try introducing rhythmic variations.• It's good to practice playing steady notes, but not the
only rhythm to play scales with.
• e.g. Swing the beat: play as a dotted quarter note followed by a quarter note
• e.g. Play triplets: "Su-per-man, Su-per-man", emphasising the first syllable
• e.g. Take a melody you know and play the scale with that rhythm.
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3: Instead of trying to make each play-through sound identical, try varying your tone each time you play a scale.• It's good to have good control over your tone, but this
means varying it as well as keeping it consistent.
• Play each scale with a consistent tone, but change it each time you play a new scale.
• e.g. Play notes staccato or legato.
• e.g. Experiment with dynamics, gradually changing volume or punctuating notes.
• e.g. Add vibrato, a mute, or other effects to your notes.
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4: Instead of playing with a metronome or silence, try playing over backing tracks.
• Most musicians practice scales solo or with a steady metronome beat.
• Why not use a more musical beat?
• You can download drum loops or backing tracks to practice scales over.
• With backing tracks: check the key matches the scale you're playing!
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Conclusion• You don't need to be bored by scales any more.
• It is valuable to practice scales, but get the benefit without the boredom.
• Try some of these ways to add spice to your scales!
• For more information and ideas check out: How to Make Scales Less Boring
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How to Make Scales Less Boring
Learn more: http://eartra.in/a2