scales
Practicing
scales is usually the most monotonous part of learning a
musical instrument. Trying to find the motivation to learn
them can be illusive,
time consuming and sometimes near
impossible. By understanding
why scales are so vital to instrumental playing, the
performer can then understand the necessity in
learning them, finding that
extra boost of motivation and
determination.
How Do
Scales Help?
Scales help
performers in a number of ways such as improving their
technique. It will help you to play complicated cadenzas
or improvisations. Scales also help when
understanding the musical theory behind the music they are
playing. Classical and baroque pieces use
scales, while jazz improvisations are based
around the performers knowledge of chords, chord
progressions and the scales
that surround them. Therefore, without scales, not only
is the performer less knowledgeable about
the limitations and registers of their
instruments, but also they become lost in the music not
comprehending where it might lead
or what it is trying to
convey.
The Best Way to Learn
Scales
Incorporating scales into your daily practice
routine is the most effective way of learning them. They are an
excellent way of warming up when playing
your instrument for the day and a simple five to ten minute
exercise will warm up your fingers
and improve your hand-eye
co-ordination.
1)
Depending on your ability, start with the simplest scale you
know; a C major scale on the piano, G scale on a string
instrument or D major on wind
instruments are a good place to start. On a transposing
instrument start in the key you instrument is tuned to
(Bb saxophone etc.)
2) Now play
a simple one octave run up and down the scale. This will
allow your fingers to warm up before attempting
anything more
difficult. Repeat this three of four times before
moving on.
3)
Depending on your level of ability, move up to the next tone or
semi-tone and complete another octave run. For example,
if you are playing piano and are a beginner move
from C major up to D major.
Repeat this another three
times.
4) Keep
repeating this process, in tone or semi-tone steps until you
reach an octave above your original starting
note.
5) By now
your fingers should feel more supple and able to attempt faster
or more complicated scales. Try playing the
scales faster, in minor key, arpeggios, or even
chromatically.
Tips
to remember when practicing scales
are;
1) Learn
the scale as soon as possible without the music. Try reading
the music once or twice through and then memorizing
the scale.
2) All
scales on any instrument contain finger patterns, and therefore
make the scale process easier. This rule especially
applies to string instruments;
learn one finger pattern and you have in theory learned 4
or 5 scales.
3) Try
practicing scales one after the other in a continuous
run. This will help warm your fingers up quicker and also
avoid any temptation or give
up and lose motivation.
This simple
5-10 minute exercise will make you more aware of your
instrument, improve your co-ordination and prepare you for
the main practice routine. Most importantly
your scales are now becoming a part of your routine and will
never be forgotten.
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