How to Combine Scales on the Guitar

Getting more creative with your guitar playing often means thinking outside the box. One way to do that? Combine scales. Whether you're looking to spice up your solos or craft unique riffs, mixing scales can open up a world of possibilities. We'll walk through how to put scales together on the guitar, step by step.

The Magic of Scale Blending

When you hear a solo that makes you stop in your tracks, chances are it’s not sticking to just one scale. Blending scales is like throwing different spices into a dish—it takes something good and makes it great. But how does one start mixing scales without feeling like they're blindly swinging a musical paintbrush?

First, consider the mood you want to create. Are you going for a melancholic vibe or something more aggressive? Different scales evoke different emotions. For instance, the minor pentatonic scale has a bluesy feel, while the harmonic minor scale tends to sound more exotic or classical.

• Minor Pentatonic: Great for blues and rock.
• Harmonic Minor: Adds a dramatic, classical touch.
• Dorian Mode: Offers a jazzy, funky feel.

Once you've decided on your scales, start by understanding their patterns on the neck. Guitar players often visualize scales as shapes or boxes on the fretboard, and knowing these shapes is crucial for smooth transitions between scales.

Building a Scale Bridge

Imagine trying to cross a river with stepping stones. Each stone represents a note in your scale. To combine scales effectively, you need to create a "bridge" of notes that makes the transition feel natural. This means finding common notes between scales.

For example, if you're combining the A minor pentatonic scale with the A Dorian mode, you'll notice several shared notes. These shared notes act as your stepping stones, making the transition seamless and musical.

To practice this, start by playing through both scales separately. Identify the common notes and use them to create short phrases or licks that move smoothly from one scale to the other. This is where creativity comes into play—experiment with different combinations and see what feels right.

Chord Progressions: Your Best Friend

Combining scales isn't just about stringing together notes; it's also about understanding the underlying chord progressions. The chords you play under your scales can drastically change how your improvisation sounds.

Let's say you're working with a basic A minor to D minor progression. You could use the A minor pentatonic scale over both chords, but what if you want something more colorful? Consider using the A Dorian scale over the A minor chord and the D Dorian scale over the D minor chord.

This approach adds a layer of sophistication to your playing. It requires you to think about the chords and scales in tandem, rather than as separate entities. This kind of interplay between harmony and melody is what gives professional guitarists that polished, intentional sound.

Don't Forget the Modes

Modes are essentially scales starting on a different note, and they can add a lot of flavor to your playing. Each mode has its own distinct sound and can be used to create unique musical ideas.

For instance, the Phrygian mode has a Spanish or Middle Eastern flair, making it perfect for metal and progressive music. On the other hand, the Lydian mode sounds bright and dreamy, adding a sense of wonder to your solos.

To incorporate modes into your scale combinations, start by familiarizing yourself with the major scale, as all modes are derived from it. Practice each mode individually, then experiment with blending them into your existing scale patterns. This will expand your tonal palette and give you more options when improvising or composing.

Using Riffhard for Scale Mastery

At Riffhard, we offer lessons that can help you master the art of combining scales. Our instructors, including top metal guitarists, provide insights into complex techniques such as modal playing and scale integration. You’ll find lessons on everything from the basics to advanced concepts, all designed to improve your playing skills.

With tools like our custom metronome and interactive player, you can practice at your own pace and focus on areas that need improvement. Plus, our downloadable tabs make it easy to follow along and apply what you’ve learned.

Embracing Chromaticism

Chromaticism involves using notes that aren't in the current scale, adding tension and resolution to your playing. It's a powerful tool when you want to add a twist to your improvisation or composition.

Imagine you're playing a lick in the A minor pentatonic scale. By slipping in a few chromatic notes, you can create a sense of movement and unpredictability. This technique is popular in jazz and fusion but can be equally effective in metal and rock.

Try adding chromatic passing tones between the notes of your scale. For example, if you're ascending through the A minor pentatonic, insert a chromatic note between the C and D notes. This adds a bluesy, jazzy feel and can make your playing sound more sophisticated.

Creating Tension with the Whole Tone Scale

The whole tone scale is less common but incredibly useful when you want to create tension and dissonance. It's made up entirely of whole steps, resulting in a unique, ambiguous sound.

Because the whole tone scale lacks a clear resolution, it can be used to build tension before resolving back to a more stable scale or mode. This makes it a perfect choice for dramatic solos or compositions.

To incorporate the whole tone scale into your playing, start by practicing its pattern on the fretboard. Once you're comfortable, try using it over dominant chords or in sections of your music where you want to create suspense. You'll find it adds an exciting, unexpected element to your playing.

Improvisation: Letting Your Creativity Flow

One of the best ways to get comfortable with combining scales is through improvisation. It allows you to experiment and find combinations that resonate with your style.

Set a simple backing track or loop a chord progression, then start improvising. Focus on moving between scales and modes, using the techniques we've discussed. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—each one is an opportunity to learn and discover new possibilities.

Improvisation is like having a conversation with your instrument. The more you practice, the more fluent you'll become in expressing yourself through music. Over time, you'll develop your unique voice as a guitarist.

Learn from the Masters at Riffhard

To truly excel at combining scales, you need to learn from the best. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists. These instructors have mastered the art of blending scales and can share their knowledge and techniques with you.

Our lesson library covers a wide range of topics, from rhythm guitar to advanced lead techniques. Whether you're looking to improve your picking skills or explore new scales, you'll find valuable resources to help you grow as a musician.

By learning from experienced players, you can gain insights that will take your playing to the next level. Sign up for Riffhard today to access our comprehensive library of lessons and start combining scales like a pro.

Final Thoughts

Combining scales on the guitar is all about exploration and creativity. By understanding the different scales and modes, you can create unique musical ideas and elevate your playing. At Riffhard, we offer lessons and tools to help you master this exciting aspect of guitar playing. Dive in and see where your musical journey takes you!