How To ENJOY Practicing Scales (Part II)

All teachers tell their students to 'practice their scales'. But HOW you practice them can make a big difference in how well you can use them in real world situations. It also makes a huge difference in how you enjoy practicing them at all!

In this second part of our two-part, self-paced course on practicing scales, you'll build upon all you learning in Part I and continue discovering more advanced practice strategies that will get you excited about playing scales in a way that is effective, efficient and FUN! Most importantly, you'll practice your scales in a way that allows you to immediately  incorporate them in a musical and creative way.

Join multi-instrumentalist and Practice Warrior Christopher Maloney as he guides you through these simple but effective practice tips. Although Christopher demonstrates these concepts on guitar, bass and piano, this course is designed to help any musician, regardless of what instrument you play!

1. 3-Note Sequences - A GREAT way to create memorable melodic ideas (and actually enjoy practicing scales) is using Sequences.  Sequences are patterns you play with the notes from your scale. (11:42)

2. 4-Note Sequences - Now it's time to try 4 note scale sequences.  We'll just add another note to the 3 note sequences we did in the last video. Not only do these scale sequences make practicing your scales more challenging and enjoyable, but it makes for KILLER melodic ideas! (5:41)

3. Advanced Sequences - Once you can negotiate simple 3 and 4 note sequences, it might be cool to try sequences with intervalic jumps or even longer sequences. (5:30)

4. Passing Tones - Passing tones create temporary tension in your melodies.  Start learning how to use these "passing tones" and you'll sound cool too! (11:44)

5. Using Approach Notes With Scales (Clarinet Perspective) - Woodwind player Mervyn Johnston discusses the many ways you can practice your scales using the concepts of Approach Notes, Chromatic Tones and Chord Enclosures. (4:02)

6. Approach Notes (Flute Perspective) - In this Unit, woodwind master Mervyn Johnston talks about everything from Enclosures to Vibrato to Falls.  Some things are specific to flute, but many of these concepts can be incorporated by any instrument. (6:55)

7. Subdivision Madness! - When practicing scales, we often only focus on the notes we play rather than the rhythms.  In this video, Christopher shows you how you can add rhythm to transform your creative ideas. (5:49)

8. Adding Rhythm - Christopher breaks down the rhythmic aspect of practicing rhythms by having you focus on simply playing and jamming on one note.  Once you are comfortable playing all types of rhythms along with a backing track, you can add more notes to create more interesting melodies. (5:37)

9. The 12-Week Challenge! - Christopher offers you the opportunity to take his 12-Week Challenge WOW!!  If you can do all these musical things...AND play every (in this example) major scale in just three months, how do you think that'll transform your playing? (9:04)

10. Composing Melodies - After watching so many videos about practicing scales, Christopher has you putting it all together to use your scales to create interesting melodies. (9:11)

11. Practicing Chromaticism (Sax Perspective) - For many people, Chromaticism is the final Scale frontier.  A Chromatic scale is a scale that is made up entirely of half-steps.  It's a 12-note scale (most scales are 7 notes), and it contains every note in music.  How can you handle working with such a scale.  Musician and educator Chris Moore gives you great advice! (2:14)