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Posted by: megadethklok66 Mar 8 2012, 04:12 AM

how important is learning every scale and mode? and i tend to rush everything i play on guitar and tips on how to improve on these spots?

Posted by: benetom Mar 8 2012, 06:39 AM

It sure helps knowing scales n stuff m8. They just need time to get under your fingers so practice...as I do
Theory board at GMC is fantastic one so check it out and the pdf you got when you signed with GMC is really fabulous book to study.
Practice slow and then speed up slowly when you are comfortable playing them...golden rule..and with a metronome if possible

Regards Tom

Posted by: Alex Feather Mar 8 2012, 07:56 AM

It is very important you have to know what you are doing! You still can improvise and have fun and spend only 15 minutes out of your practice routine learning modes
say do 15 minutes each mode for one week and you will get it in two months!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 8 2012, 08:06 AM

Learning scales on the neck is like memorizing a map of a land the better you know each path, the faster you'll move around. Although combined with exercising scales should come ear training, which allows you to efficiently use the scales in an actual musical context for instance.

Posted by: Ben Higgins Mar 8 2012, 12:22 PM

I would always highlight the need for approaching it in the most enjoyable way.

Ever noticed how it's easier to make progress at something that you're enjoying ? That's because your brain doesn't class it as a chore, it just gets involved and absorbs.

Also, be realistic about what music floats you boat and what doesn't. This way you can make a priority of modes and scales that are going to help you achieve the sounds you like.

If you're a metal guy then maybe pick the natural minor and phrygian dominant (also called phyrgian major) modes to start with.

First, choose a key like Em and learn one box position so you can memorise how the scale sounds and the distance between the notes. Then you can add more box positions to it. Box positions are related to where you can find the chords of Em for example. Then what I recommend doing is learning the scale on one string. Learn how to navigate through the scale using 3 note per string shapes.

Eventually start connecting the box positions up by using the shapes that you've identified by doing it on one string. This is the way that I've always done it

Don't worry yourself too much about learning all the modes yet, just help yourself dig into the sound you want.