How to Learn/Practice Guitar Scales

This guitar lesson is about how I recommend learning and practicing scales.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Learn only one scale at a time.
• Be able to play that scale up and down from memory before moving on to the next scale.
• Learn the scales/modes/scale shapes in order - one key at a time.
  (e.g. learn Ionian first, then Dorian, then Phrygian, etc.)
• After you move on to a new scale shape, make sure you play the previous scale shape(s) every day so you don't forget what you've learned.
• You can play any type of exercise you want with the scale besides just going up and down the scale shape.
  (e.g. playing each note twice, playing 4 note coils, 3 note coils, etc.)
• Use a metronome to practice good rhythm while pushing your speed. 
• Use the scale shape you are learning to play over backing tracks.
  (aka: improv or improvisation)
• Use the scale shape to write your own riffs and put together chord shapes that fall within that scale shape.
• Take your time when learning each scale. If you try learning too many at once, and try going too fast, you're likely to forget what you've learned and make very little progress.

One thing touched on in the video is how I recommend learning both the CAGED scale shapes (I like to call them condensed shapes) and the 3 notes per string scale shapes.

Here are the condensed scales shapes in the key of C/Am (yes, they are hand drawn in)

Here are the 3 notes per string scales shapes in the same key (much fancier looking!)

After having students learn both of those versions of the scale shapes, I will give stuff like two strings at a time going up and down to learn the fretboard horizontally, as well as 3 strings at a time, and just one.

Here are some 3 strings at a time examples:

Here are some 2 strings at a time examples:

Here are some 1 string at a time examples:

When it comes down to it, there are countless ways of practicing scales. If you just pick a couple exercises to cover the entire shape, metronome it, and have some fun doing improv with it, that should be plenty of time devoted to each scale. Some people will need more time than others with a given scale before moving on to a new one, so please be patient with yourself and only move on to a new shape when you feel ready. Don't forget to keep playing the old shape(s) at least once a day so you don't forget anything!

If you have any questions with this material, or if you have any suggestions you'd like to share, please add them in the comments section :)