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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Memorising scale notes

2 replies [Last post]
Thu, 02/09/2023 - 08:33
Scorny
Scorny's picture
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Level 6
Joined: 02/18/2019

Hi Dave,

Can you suggest how to memorise g blues scale etc. The g maj pent scale is easy as there's a repeated pattern, but I'm struggling to find any such pattern with the g blues and several of the other scales?

Thanks

Saul

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Thu, 02/09/2023 - 08:41
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello Saul. I have not come

Hello Saul. I have not come up with a way to memorize scales except for reps. I do find it helpful to do the following...

1) Play the scale (2 3' 4+ 4' 4 5 6+ for example)
2) Say the names of the notes while you play (G Bb C Db D F G)
3) Visualize the notes of the scale on the harmonica as you play (building your mental model... G Bb C Db D F G)
4) Say the scale degrees as you play (R b3 4 b5 5 b7 8)
5) Create as many patterns with the scale as you can, as you do the same above (2 3' 4+, 3' 4+ 4', 4+ 4' 4, etc.)

In my experience, the more angles you attack the scale from, the better your memorization will be.

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Thu, 02/09/2023 - 08:50
#2
Scorny
Scorny's picture
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Level 6
Joined: 02/18/2019
Great, Many thanks!

Great, Many thanks!

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