Learning & Practicing Scales & Arpeggios

Hi everyone,

In todays post I will be talking about learning and practicing your scales and arpeggios.

Within the Classical scale system you have 12 Major scales and arpeggios, and 12 Minor scales and arpeggios. If you are working through your grades you will gradually be introduced to different scales and arpeggios, and variations of those scales the more you progress.

The First Octave

To gain an understanding of scales and arpeggios just focus on the first octave of each scale. One octave scales are usually aimed at beginner players regardless of what instrument you are learning. Even as you progress onto the higher grades always start by learning the scale just by using the first octave, as this way it help to gain an understanding on where the scales/ arpeggios are going.

Second, Third and Fourth Octaves

Once you have become comfortable in playing the first octave, you can gradually start working on the second, third and fourth octaves. Don't push the third and fourth octave scales, as you may need the stamina to help you to build up to playing the third and fourth octaves.

Break the Scales/ Arpeggios Down

If you are struggling to get the grips of your scales and arpeggios, it might be worth trying to break the scales and arpeggios down into more manageable chunks. You might want to focus on breaking down the scales into three note phrases, or you might just want to focus on getting used to playing in the octave that you are struggling with. 

Articulate Your Scales and Arpeggios

You don't have to play your scales and arpeggios as written - you can use them to explore different articulation techniques. 

Different articulation includes :-

- Single notes/ tonguing

- Slurred

- Staccato

- Pizzicato

- Slurred/ Staccato

- Slurred groups of two/ three/ four notes

- Slurred ascending the scale; staccato descending the scale

Take Your Time

It's important to take your time when you learning and gaining an understanding of your scales. Its also important not to rush your scales, as this is how mistakes happen.