How to Get Better at Guitar Scales

So you want to get better at guitar scales? Whether you're shredding through a blistering solo or laying down a melodic riff, mastering scales is key to expanding your musical vocabulary. Let's break down how you can take your scale game to the next level.

Why Scales Matter More Than You Think

Scales are like the building blocks of music. Once you get them under your fingers, they open up a world of musical possibilities. Knowing scales can help you improvise, compose, and even understand music theory better. In the metal realm, scales give your solos that extra edge and can turn a basic riff into something epic.

But it’s not just about speed. It’s about the feel and emotion you can bring to your playing. Think about some of your favorite guitar solos—often what makes them memorable is how the guitarist uses scales to create tension and release. From sweeping arpeggios to face-melting runs, scales provide the backbone to all of that.

Interestingly enough, metal guitarists often use modes, which are essentially scales with a twist. These modes can add different flavors to your music, from the dark and moody Phrygian to the exotic-sounding Locrian. Understanding these modes will give your playing a distinctive edge, setting you apart from the crowd.

Getting Comfortable with Your Guitar Neck

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of scales, let's talk about familiarity with the guitar neck. Knowing your fretboard inside out is essential for fluid scale playing. If you’re constantly looking down at your hands, you’re not letting the music flow naturally.

Here’s a simple exercise: Pick a random note on the low E string and try to find the same note on all the other strings. This will give you a better sense of where notes are located across the fretboard. And don’t just stop at one note—try it with different notes every time you practice.

Another tip is to practice playing scales in different positions. Often, guitarists stick to one position they’re comfortable with, but shifting positions can open up new possibilities and make your playing more dynamic. This is especially handy when you're improvising and need to move quickly across the neck.

Start Slow, Then Speed It Up

It might sound cliché, but starting slow is crucial when learning scales. Speed will come with time, but precision is something you need to work on deliberately. Use a metronome to keep your timing in check. Riffhard offers a custom metronome designed specifically for guitar practice, which can be a great tool to stay on track.

Begin by playing each note cleanly and evenly. Focus on the sound and feel of each note. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Speed is a byproduct of accuracy, not the other way around. It’s like building a house—you need a solid foundation before you can add the fancy stuff.

Another method is to practice scales in bursts. Play a section of the scale as fast as you can, focusing on precision, then return to a slower tempo for the rest. This helps train your fingers to move quickly while maintaining control.

Incorporate Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for playing scales efficiently. If you're not using it yet, it's time to start. The idea is simple: downstroke, upstroke, repeat. This method minimizes hand movement and allows for faster, more fluid playing.

To practice, pick a simple scale like the pentatonic and focus on using alternate picking for each note. It might feel awkward at first, but stick with it. As you get more comfortable, you'll notice a significant improvement in your speed and accuracy.

Sometimes, breaking down scales into smaller sections can help you focus on your picking technique. Practice a few notes at a time and gradually piece them together. This approach can help you nail the transitions between strings, which is often where picking gets tricky.

Experiment with Different Scales

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to expand your repertoire. The pentatonic scale is a great starting point, but there are so many other scales out there. Try the blues scale for a grittier sound, or the harmonic minor scale for something more exotic.

Metal guitarists often lean towards certain scales and modes. The Phrygian mode, for example, is popular for its dark, mysterious tone. The Dorian mode, on the other hand, offers a more upbeat, jazzy feel. Experiment with these modes to see which ones resonate with your style.

Don't just learn these scales in isolation. Use them in context. Try incorporating them into your solos or riffs. This will not only help you remember the scales better but also give you a sense of how they fit into your music.

Use Backing Tracks for Practice

Playing scales in isolation is one thing, but applying them in a musical context is where the magic happens. Backing tracks are an excellent way to practice this. They provide a harmonic context for you to experiment with different scales and modes.

There are plenty of online resources where you can find backing tracks tailored to different genres and scales. Start with something simple and gradually work your way up to more complex tracks. This will help you develop a sense of timing and phrasing, essential skills for any guitarist.

At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists who demonstrate how to use scales effectively in a band setting. Watching these can give you new ideas and inspiration on how to incorporate scales into your own playing.

Record Yourself

One of the best ways to track your progress is to record yourself playing scales. Listening back to your recordings can be incredibly insightful. You’ll easily spot areas where you need improvement, whether it’s timing, picking technique, or note clarity.

Plus, it’s a great way to stay motivated. You'll be able to hear the improvements over time, which can be incredibly satisfying. It’s like a musical diary, capturing your journey as a guitarist.

Don’t just record your scale exercises. Record yourself improvising with scales over backing tracks. This will help you develop your sense of phrasing and melody, skills that are crucial for any guitarist looking to stand out.

Join a Community

Practicing scales can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining a community of like-minded guitarists can make the process more enjoyable and rewarding. Sharing your progress and challenges with others can provide valuable feedback and encouragement.

There are plenty of online forums and social media groups where you can connect with other guitarists. At Riffhard, we offer a community of metal guitarists who share tips and tricks on how to get better at scales and other guitar techniques. It’s a great place to ask questions and learn from others who are on the same journey.

Keep It Fun and Interesting

Finally, remember to keep your practice sessions fun and interesting. Practicing scales can sometimes feel monotonous, so find ways to mix it up. Try playing along with your favorite songs or improvising melodies using the scales you’ve learned.

You could also set challenges for yourself, like learning a new scale each week or incorporating a new technique into your playing. The key is to keep things fresh and exciting so that you stay motivated to practice.

And don’t forget to celebrate your progress. Every small improvement is a step towards becoming a better guitarist. Keep pushing yourself, and enjoy the journey!

Final Thoughts

Improving at guitar scales is a journey that involves patience and persistence. By focusing on precision, experimenting with different scales, and incorporating them into your playing, you’ll see significant progress over time. At Riffhard, we're here to support you with lessons from world-class metal guitarists, helping you achieve your musical goals faster and easier.