How to Move Horizontally with a Scale on the Guitar

As guitarists, we often focus on mastering scales vertically up and down the fretboard. But there’s a whole other dimension to explore: horizontal movement. By learning to move across the neck, you can unlock new possibilities for your solos and riffs, making your playing more fluid and dynamic. Let’s break down how to move horizontally with a scale on the guitar, and why it’s a game-changer for your technique.

Why Horizontal Movement Matters

Shifting horizontally with a scale is like opening a door to a room full of creative possibilities. Unlike vertical movement, which can feel a bit like climbing a ladder, horizontal movement lets you glide across the neck, connecting shapes and patterns in ways that feel more musical and expressive. It’s not just about covering more ground; it’s about discovering new ways to phrase your ideas.

Think about it: when you’re stuck in one position, your options for phrasing and note choice are limited. But when you start moving horizontally, you can weave in and out of different positions, creating a seamless flow of notes. This is especially important in metal and its subgenres, where speed and precision are crucial, but so is creativity and expression.

Getting Familiar with the Fretboard

The first step to mastering horizontal movement is getting comfortable with the fretboard. It’s like getting to know a new city—once you know your way around, you can start exploring. Spend time with different scale shapes and positions, and practice connecting them across the neck.

One way to do this is by practicing octaves. Start with a simple scale, like the pentatonic, and play it in one position. Then, find the same notes an octave higher or lower, and connect the two positions by shifting horizontally. This will help you see the fretboard as a continuous landscape, rather than a series of isolated positions.

Practical Exercise: Connecting Positions

• Choose a scale, like the A minor pentatonic.
• Play it in the fifth position, then find the same notes in the seventh position.
• Connect the two positions by shifting horizontally, playing through the scale without stopping.
• Repeat this exercise in different positions and with different scales to build familiarity with the fretboard.

Developing a Horizontal Mindset

Moving horizontally requires a shift in mindset. Instead of thinking about scales as vertical patterns, start thinking about them as pathways across the neck. This means visualizing how different shapes connect and overlap, and planning your movements accordingly.

To develop this mindset, practice visualizing scale patterns without your guitar. Imagine the fretboard in your mind, and trace the path of a scale across it. This mental practice will help you internalize the connections between positions, making it easier to move horizontally when you’re actually playing.

Exercise: Mental Visualization

• Close your eyes and picture the fretboard.
• Visualize a scale pattern, like the major scale, and see it moving horizontally across the neck.
• Imagine connecting different positions, and picture how your fingers would move.
• Open your eyes and try playing the pattern you visualized, moving horizontally across the fretboard.

Using Slides and Shifts

Slides and shifts are essential tools for moving horizontally. They allow you to move smoothly from one position to another, without losing momentum or clarity. When done correctly, slides can add a vocal quality to your playing, making your notes sing and sustain.

To practice slides, start with a simple exercise: choose two notes on the same string, and slide from one to the other. Focus on maintaining pressure and producing a clear, even sound. Then, incorporate slides into your scale practice, using them to connect different positions.

Exercise: Sliding Between Positions

• Choose a scale, like the G major scale.
• Play the scale in one position, then slide to a different position on the same string.
• Continue playing the scale in the new position, using slides to connect the two positions.
• Repeat this exercise with different scales and in different positions to build smooth, fluid slides.

Incorporating Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are another great way to move horizontally. They allow you to play notes without picking, which can make your playing faster and more fluid. When moving horizontally, use hammer-ons and pull-offs to transition between positions, creating a seamless flow of notes.

To practice this technique, start with a simple exercise: choose two notes on the same string, and use a hammer-on to move from one to the other. Then, use a pull-off to return to the first note. Incorporate hammer-ons and pull-offs into your scale practice, using them to connect different positions.

Exercise: Hammer-On and Pull-Off Transitions

• Choose a scale, like the E minor pentatonic.
• Play the scale in one position, using hammer-ons and pull-offs to connect the notes.
• Shift to a different position on the same string, using hammer-ons and pull-offs to transition.
• Continue playing the scale in the new position, using hammer-ons and pull-offs to connect the notes.
• Repeat this exercise with different scales and in different positions to build fluid, seamless transitions.

Combining Techniques for Fluid Movement

Once you’re comfortable with slides, shifts, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, start combining these techniques to create fluid horizontal movement. Think of these techniques as tools in your toolbox—each one serves a different purpose, and the more you use them, the more versatile your playing will become.

To practice combining techniques, choose a scale and play it horizontally across the neck, using slides, shifts, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to connect the notes. Experiment with different combinations of techniques, and pay attention to how they affect the sound and feel of your playing.

Exercise: Combining Techniques

• Choose a scale, like the C major scale.
• Play the scale horizontally across the neck, using slides, shifts, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to connect the notes.
• Experiment with different combinations of techniques, and pay attention to how they affect the sound and feel of your playing.
• Repeat this exercise with different scales and in different positions to build versatility and fluidity.

Practicing with Purpose

When practicing horizontal movement, it’s important to practice with purpose. Set specific goals for each practice session, and focus on developing the skills and techniques that will help you achieve those goals. This might mean focusing on a particular scale, technique, or position, or working on connecting different positions in new and creative ways.

As you practice, pay attention to your playing and make adjustments as needed. Listen for clarity and precision, and strive for a smooth, even sound. If you’re struggling with a particular technique or position, slow down and focus on the details. With patience and persistence, you’ll gradually build the skills and confidence needed to move horizontally with ease.

Tips for Effective Practice

• Set specific goals for each practice session, and focus on developing the skills and techniques needed to achieve those goals.
• Pay attention to your playing and make adjustments as needed, striving for clarity and precision.
• If you’re struggling with a particular technique or position, slow down and focus on the details.
• Be patient and persistent, and remember that learning new skills takes time and effort.

Exploring Different Genres

Horizontal movement isn’t just for metal—it’s a versatile technique that can be applied to any genre. Whether you’re playing rock, blues, jazz, or classical, moving horizontally can add new dimensions to your playing, making it more expressive and dynamic.

To explore different genres, start by listening to music from different styles, and pay attention to how the guitarists move horizontally. Then, try incorporating horizontal movement into your own playing, experimenting with different scales, techniques, and positions. This will help you develop a more versatile and well-rounded playing style.

Exercise: Genre Exploration

• Listen to music from different genres, and pay attention to how the guitarists move horizontally.
• Choose a genre and try incorporating horizontal movement into your own playing, experimenting with different scales, techniques, and positions.
• Repeat this exercise with different genres to build versatility and develop a more well-rounded playing style.

Learning from the Pros

One of the best ways to learn horizontal movement is by studying the pros. Watch videos of your favorite guitarists, and pay attention to how they move across the neck. Notice the techniques they use, and try to incorporate them into your own playing. This will help you develop a more advanced and dynamic playing style.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. Our instructors teach a variety of techniques, including horizontal movement, and provide detailed guidance on how to incorporate them into your playing. With over 150 video lessons, a custom metronome, and interactive player, you’ll have everything you need to take your playing to the next level.

Exercise: Study the Pros

• Watch videos of your favorite guitarists, and pay attention to how they move across the neck.
• Notice the techniques they use, and try to incorporate them into your own playing.
• Explore lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists at Riffhard.

Final Thoughts

Moving horizontally with a scale on the guitar opens up a world of possibilities for your playing. By mastering this technique, you can create fluid, dynamic solos and riffs that stand out from the rest. At Riffhard, we’re here to help you develop these skills with lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, we’ve got the resources you need to take your playing to the next level.