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Here's is an unorthodox method to memorizing scales using the common three-note-per-string shapes we often employ during runs.
Here's is an unorthodox method of memorizing scales using the common three-note-per-string shapes we often employ during runs.
Let’s say that you wanted to learn the E minor scale (E Aeolian mode). Normally you’d learn the box positions of the scale and drill it from there. Learning a new scale using a box position is a good way of becoming familiar with the intervals involved, but we’re going to be different and move our scale onto one string.
By doing this, we take the focus away from memorizing a shape and instead focus on the sound of the scale itself, because this is what really counts when learning a scale or mode. If we haven’t internalized how it sounds, all we’re doing is trying to recall shapes that mean very little to us.
Using the high E string, move through the intervals of the scale slowly. You can start at the 12th fret and ascend to your highest fret, or start at the highest fret and move down to the 12th. For any modes in the key of E, a 24-fret guitar will help as you can start at the 24th fret and work your way down. If you have fewer than 24 frets, start at the 12th fret and work up. (For other keys, just shift your position so you can cover a whole octave on one string.)
As you do so, notice the relationship between the sound of the next interval and the distance you need to move, whether it be whole tone or semitone. If you haven’t done a lot of ear training, this is a great way to get your fingers better at predicting where to be, according to the sound