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Posted by: TreyDeschamp Mar 17 2013, 03:36 PM

Hey man,

I've been having trouble linking scales on the fretboard and was wondering if maybe you could help me out with any tips on how to do so.

It's easy to learn a song and the notes in it but to actually write my own material is what I want to do. However I have no clue how to link scales together.

Thanks man

Posted by: mroberts70 Mar 17 2013, 04:39 PM

Trey, I know your agony man. So just so you are clear, my answer is coming from the most nontechnical guy here at GMC.

I play by ear almost exclusively and do like writing my own stuff. My biggest barrier has been linking the scales.... I know that one of the other guys will have a better answer based on theory which is excellent, but for me having little to no time to study up on the theory side of it as well as taking time to practice... I started using the scale generator here at GMC for a certain key that I wanted to play in, then I would go out on YouTube and grab a backing track that sounds interesting and also at a speed comfortable to my playing and I would practice the scale by looking at it on here and following the chord progression of the backing track.... or obviously you can make your own backing track.

I realize this isn't going to be the be all end all answer for everyone, but for me it has helped out alot.

Good luck in your quest my friend.

Posted by: TreyDeschamp Mar 17 2013, 04:44 PM

Cool way of approaching learning the scales man. Never thought to do that. I may end up trying that out!

Posted by: mroberts70 Mar 17 2013, 05:31 PM

Professor I see you in here.... don't smack me too hard.... hehe. I was just tryin to help.

Posted by: The Professor Mar 17 2013, 05:59 PM

Hey,

Before I list out some exercises, can you tell me if you already know the modes on their own, and are just having trouble putting them together, or are you looking to learn them from scratch as well? Let me know and I can make some suggestions on how to practice them to get over this hump.

Posted by: TreyDeschamp Mar 17 2013, 06:08 PM

I'm starting from scratch. I have no clue about modes or anything. I'm just a beginner trying to make my way around the theory world

Posted by: The Professor Mar 17 2013, 06:09 PM

Cool, check out this link

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47440

As well, if you look on this link under the Major Modes that will give you a ton of intro info to get you started. If you have any questions about the material let me know.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47852

Posted by: mroberts70 Mar 17 2013, 06:14 PM

Cool stuff Professor. I too will be looking at this stuff. I need all the help I can get.

Thank you sir, and thanks Trey for the thread. Good one for me to be reading as well.!

Posted by: Headbanger Mar 17 2013, 06:23 PM

And Me!!!!

I decided to try and learn my major scales first now that I've read this thread a bit more, then maybe apply a bit of this theory afterwards (and after I've learnt all the note positions on the fretboard).. I tried to learn the major scales many years ago but I think I have found a method that may work....I have used the scale generator here as a start.
Then I put in C major to see where octave scales lay from different strings.
Then start with a one octave scale from a C note on the first (thick) E string of eight notes.and then start/another one octave eight note from then A string on a C again etc etc. With the shapes changing after these two strings...These shapes I'm trying to commit to memory. I thought that if I learn these shapes,and the starting notes I should be on my way to increase my scales and fretboard knowledge....It has already made things clearer right away. I can now start a major scale from just about anywhere on the fretboard...sounds better already.