Scale Paths
If you want to be a killer guitar soloist then it is absolutely essential to practice your phrasing. To build a strong foundation, you need to realize how many different ways there are to say the same thing. I call these SCALE PATHS.
Make sure you already understand your basic scales and have them memorized. It is also important to have a firm grip on finding octaves. Once you have these tools in your belt, click on the images below.
Here is a FREE PDF Booklet of this lesson, in case you want to print or look at static images instead of gifs:
How to read the Charts? click here
Click on an image to reveal a controllable gif that shows 5 different ways to say the same thing musically. (The controller is located bottom right.)
Practice a lick or melody using one scale path and then challenge yourself to play that same idea note-for-note utilizing another path or starting on another string. You should be able to play the same idea up and down the guitar.
As your knowledge of scale paths grows, you will notice your grip on phrasing maturing as well. The two go hand in hand. Each new path presents a slightly different fingering, a slightly different combination of strings. Some combinations are better for sliding into notes, some are better for bending, some for speed.
The guitar is your planet and you are building a road map, blazing new trails and finding the ones that best suit your particular style or the style that you want to emulate. Now go forth my musical traveler and expand your horizons!!!
Check out these related posts:
Scales Outside the Box
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