Scales | Why Scales | Why Practice Scales
Scales are a staple of music practice and some people feel as though they are useless, so why do we practice scales? For starters scales are the “alphabet” that we use to make songs. A song in the key of C Major usually uses notes mostly from the C Major scale (c-d-e-f-g-a-b-c) and in traditional western music since we’re thinking of the key as C Major - we treat that note as more important than the rest - (it is emphasized more - played at the end of the song, the beginning… etc.) There are MANY examples of songs that use scale or scale like passages in classical music and that’s another good argument for the practice of scales. But…
It’s important to remember that major scales aren’t the only scales that you can practice. There are minor scales, pentatonic scales, blues scales, diminished scales, etc. (not to mention other modes derived from the already mentioned scales..) In fact there are thousands of possible scales that you can use to practice. Why? Let’s say you’re interested in improv - what material are you going to use to improvise? You’re going to be using certain scales - you NEED to know them backwards and forwards to know that on the spur of the moment you could play an A Lydian sharp 4 scale…
So, knowing scales backwards and forwards can be of use in improv and in some music reading (knowing the scales makes reading such passages in classical music easier.) What else?
You can use scales to perfect your tecnique. Practicing scales is a perfect way to transition from the “concerns of every day life” to focusing on practice. Practicing scales can help you slow down the pace a bit. Practicing scales can help train yourself to play at a quicker pace. You can practice your counting as you practice scales, you can practice your articulation, dynamics. There are a multitude of ways you can get some benefit from the practice of scales if you use your imagination.
So, if you’re bored with your scale practice, try to find something to engage your mind in the practice. A new rhythm for the scale might be a good idea, or focusing on making each tone even and equal.
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