How to Master Guitar Scales

Guitar scales might sound like something you’d rather avoid, but skipping them is like trying to build a house without a foundation. They’re the backbone of your solos, riffs, and just about any piece of music you want to create. Today, we’ll chat about how to make scales your best friend, especially if you’re into metal subgenres like djent, metalcore, or progressive metal. We’ll cover practical ways to practice, understand, and apply scales so you can shred with the best of them.

Why Scales Matter in Metal Guitar

Scales are like the alphabet of music. Just as you need letters to form words, you need scales to form melodies. In metal, scales are crucial because they help you navigate fretboard patterns, create riffs, and compose solos that resonate with intensity. Ever wonder how your favorite guitarists can weave intricate solos effortlessly? It’s all about their mastery of scales.

Metal guitarists often use a variety of scales, including the minor pentatonic, natural minor, harmonic minor, and Phrygian dominant. Each scale has its own flavor and can evoke different emotions. The harmonic minor scale, for instance, is perfect for that ominous, dark sound so prevalent in genres like black metal and death metal. On the other hand, the pentatonic scale is versatile and works well in everything from classic thrash metal to modern metalcore.

Understanding these scales not only helps you play existing songs but also empowers you to create your own. When you know the right scale to use, you can add depth and emotion to your music, turning a simple riff into something unforgettable.

Getting Started with the Pentatonic Scale

The pentatonic scale is a great starting point for any guitarist. It’s simple, versatile, and a staple in metal music. The scale consists of five notes per octave and is often used in solos and riffs. If you’re new to scales, the pentatonic is your best friend.

Let’s break it down:

e|--------------------------5--8--|
B|--------------------5--8--------|
G|---------------5--7-------------|
D|----------5--7------------------|
A|-----5--7-----------------------|
E|5--8----------------------------|

This is the A minor pentatonic scale, one of the most common scales in metal. Notice how it spans two octaves with a straightforward pattern. Start slow and focus on getting each note clean. Use alternate picking to get comfortable with the transitions between strings.

Once you’ve got the basic pattern down, try adding some bends, slides, or hammer-ons to spice things up. The pentatonic scale is all about improvisation, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, the goal is not just to memorize the notes but to feel comfortable enough to play around with them.

Exploring the Natural Minor Scale

The natural minor scale is another essential tool in your metal arsenal. It’s more complex than the pentatonic but opens up a whole new world of melodic possibilities. The natural minor scale is often used in metal for its dark, emotional tones.

Here’s the A natural minor scale:

e|-------------------------5--7--8--|
B|--------------------5--6----------|
G|---------------4--5---------------|
D|----------5--7--------------------|
A|-----5--7-------------------------|
E|5--7------------------------------|

When playing the natural minor scale, pay attention to the intervals between the notes. This scale has seven notes per octave, which means you’ll often find yourself playing more intricate patterns. The A natural minor scale pairs beautifully with metal’s aggressive sound, allowing for expressive solos and riffs.

Practice moving up and down the scale. Once you’re comfortable, try incorporating it into your existing riffs or write new ones around it. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover the unique qualities this scale offers.

The Power of the Harmonic Minor Scale

If you’re looking to add a dramatic flair to your metal playing, the harmonic minor scale is your go-to. Known for its distinctive sound, it’s a favorite among metal guitarists who want to add an exotic, almost classical touch to their music.

Here’s the A harmonic minor scale:

e|-----------------------------4--5--|
B|-----------------------5--6--------|
G|-----------------5--6--------------|
D|----------5--7---------------------|
A|-----4--7--------------------------|
E|5--7-------------------------------|

The harmonic minor scale is famous for its raised seventh note, which creates a unique tension and resolution. This scale is perfect for solos, especially if you want to channel the neoclassical vibes of shredders like Yngwie Malmsteen.

To get the most out of the harmonic minor scale, try using it over chords that naturally fit its mood. Experiment with different positions on the fretboard, and don’t forget to practice with a metronome to ensure your timing is spot on. Speaking of metronomes, our custom metronome at Riffhard is designed to help you nail those tricky rhythms.

Connecting Scales Across the Fretboard

Understanding individual scales is just the beginning. To truly harness their power, you need to connect them across the fretboard. This means learning how to transition smoothly between scale positions to cover more ground during solos.

Start by practicing two adjacent scale positions. For example, with the A minor pentatonic, learn the first two positions:

Position 1:
e|--------------------------5--8--|
B|--------------------5--8--------|
G|---------------5--7-------------|
D|----------5--7------------------|
A|-----5--7-----------------------|
E|5--8----------------------------|

Position 2:
e|--------------------------8--10--|
B|--------------------8--10--------|
G|---------------7--9--------------|
D|----------7--10------------------|
A|-----7--10-----------------------|
E|8--10----------------------------|

Practice moving between these two positions without hesitation. Once you’re comfortable, add a third position. The goal is to be able to move freely and fluently across the fretboard without losing your place or the feel of the scale.

Connecting scales is crucial when you’re improvising. It allows you to move from low to high notes seamlessly, creating a more dynamic and engaging solo. Take your time with this; it’s a skill that develops with practice.

Integrating Scales into Your Playing

Learning scales in isolation is one thing, but integrating them into your playing is where the magic happens. The key is to use scales as a tool for creativity, rather than just a series of notes to memorize.

One way to do this is to incorporate scales into your daily practice routine. Start with simple exercises that emphasize the scale’s unique characteristics. For instance, try playing the natural minor scale with legato techniques—hammer-ons and pull-offs—to add fluidity to your playing.

Another effective method is to write riffs and solos based on a scale. Choose a scale and challenge yourself to compose a short piece using only those notes. This not only helps reinforce the scale but also encourages creativity.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, where you can see firsthand how they integrate scales into their playing. Whether it’s for rhythm or lead guitar, these insights can be invaluable in helping you develop your own style.

Improvisation: Letting Scales Guide You

Improvisation is a skill that every guitarist should cultivate, and scales are your best guide. When you improvise, you’re essentially making music on the spot, and knowing your scales inside out gives you the confidence to do this effectively.

A great way to start improvising is by jamming along to backing tracks. Pick a scale that fits the track’s key, and let your fingers explore the fretboard. You’ll likely start with simple licks, but as you get more comfortable, you’ll find yourself creating more complex melodies.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Improvisation is about experimentation, and every error is a step towards finding your unique voice. Listen to guitarists you admire and try to emulate their phrasing and note choices, but also strive to inject your own personality into your playing.

Remember, improvisation isn’t just about speed or technical prowess. It’s about emotion and expression. Use scales to tell a story with your music, much like how you’d use words to convey a message.

The Role of Scales in Songwriting

Scales are not just for solos; they play a significant role in songwriting too. Understanding how scales work allows you to craft riffs and melodies that are both coherent and compelling.

When writing a song, start by choosing a scale that fits the mood you’re after. Want something dark and brooding? Try the Phrygian dominant scale. Looking for a more uplifting vibe? The natural minor scale can be surprisingly versatile.

Once you’ve picked a scale, use it to develop a basic riff. Play around with different rhythms and note combinations until you find something that clicks. From there, you can expand the riff into a full song, adding layers and variations as needed.

At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons that dive into the art of songwriting, offering tips and techniques to help you craft music that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re aiming for intricate progressive metal or hard-hitting death metal, understanding scales can significantly enhance your songwriting prowess.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning scales can be intimidating, and it’s easy to fall into a few common traps. Here’s how to steer clear:

• Over-reliance on Patterns: While it’s crucial to memorize scale shapes, don’t get stuck only playing them up and down. Use them as a foundation to explore and create.
• Ignoring Rhythm: Scales are not just about notes but also timing. Practice scales with a metronome to develop a strong sense of rhythm.
• Neglecting Theory: Understanding the theory behind scales can unlock new possibilities. Learn why certain notes work together and how to build chords from scales.

By keeping these potential pitfalls in mind, you can focus on making scales a dynamic part of your playing rather than just an exercise.

Final Thoughts

Scales are the roadmap to expressive and creative guitar playing. By understanding and practicing them, you can unlock new dimensions in your metal guitar journey. Whether it’s through riffing, soloing, or songwriting, the knowledge of scales is invaluable. At Riffhard, we offer a wealth of resources and lessons from top-tier metal guitarists to help you harness the power of scales and elevate your playing to new heights.