Scale Practice - next steps

I'm getting to the point where I've just about got comfortable with the CAGED major scale patterns all over the neck - and I'm wondering where to turn next.

Relevant ojectives:

1) Get to the point where I can hear a chord progression and confidently improvise an articulate, expressive solo

2) Improve knowledge of theory to help get the songs out of my head

Note: I'm riff-based hard rock oriented.

Current Daily Scales Regime:

1 key* x 5 patterns x 5 reps (25 total) @160bpm

1 pattern* x 5 keys x 5 reps (25 total) @160bpm

+ general noodling

*rotate key/pattern each day

Note: this is /part/ of the regime - just the scales part.

Next?:

There are a whole bunch of places I could go next (in no particular order):

-explore links between the boxes, e.g. play scales diagonally

-deepen understanding of intervals within the scales

-build speed

-minor scales

-the pentatonic patterns

-etc

I guess my challenge is figuring out what best to invest in.

Specific Questions:

-Any opinions as to where to turn next, in terms of being most useful vs my objectives?

-Any other suggestions as to topics to add to the wislist?

-Any suggestions as to the practice regime?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by: imccowatt

I'm getting to the point where I've just about got comfortable with the CAGED major scale patterns all over the neck - and I'm wondering where to turn next.

[/quote]

One thing I noticed missing from your goals: learning songs. That's a important aspect of your learning you should include.

Originally Posted by: imccowatt

Relevant ojectives:

1) Get to the point where I can hear a chord progression and confidently improvise an articulate, expressive solo

2) Improve knowledge of theory to help get the songs out of my head

[/quote]

My tutorials on improvisation will help here.

https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Introduction_to_Improvisation

Originally Posted by: imccowatt

Current Daily Scales Regime:

1 key* x 5 patterns x 5 reps (25 total) @160bpm

1 pattern* x 5 keys x 5 reps (25 total) @160bpm

[/quote]

At what subdivision? Quarter notes? Have you tried mixing up the subdivisions (1/4, 1/8, 1/16), and then sequencing the notes in 3s, 4s, pedal point?

Originally Posted by: imccowatt

-explore links between the boxes, e.g. play scales diagonally

-deepen understanding of intervals within the scales

https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Visualing_Scale_Patterns

[quote=imccowatt]

-build speed

https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Building_Speed

[quote=imccowatt]

-the pentatonic patterns

https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Pentatonic_Patterns

[quote=imccowatt]

-Any opinions as to where to turn next, in terms of being most useful vs my objectives?

-Any other suggestions as to topics to add to the wislist?

-Any suggestions as to the practice regime?

Learn songs! :)

Hope that helps!

Thanks Christopher

Originally Posted by: ChristopherSchlegel

One thing I noticed missing from your goals: learning songs.

[/quote]

Indeed! Thanks to the rock voicings in rock level 1, I've been able to figure out a passable version of AC/DC's "You shook me all night long". This always eluded me in that I couldn't figure out how the blazes Angus was making the chord changes. Turns out, with the rock voiced versions it's quite easy :-)

Originally Posted by: ChristopherSchlegel

My tutorials on improvisation will help here.

[/quote]

Top of my list once I'm through Rock Level 2. Eventually. Seem to have "found my level" with that one and having to work through it slowly and methodically.

Originally Posted by: ChristopherSchlegel

At what subdivision? Quarter notes? Have you tried mixing up the subdivisions (1/4, 1/8, 1/16), and then sequencing the notes in 3s, 4s, pedal point?

[/quote]

Yeah, simple crotchets so far.

[quote=ChristopherSchlegel]

https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Visualing_Scale_Patterns

Thanks! Will take a look.

[quote=ChristopherSchlegel]

https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Building_Speed

Probably a slightly more distant goal...

[quote=ChristopherSchlegel]

https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Pentatonic_Patterns

I'm thinking that, with a reasonable handle on the major scale, this'd be quite a good place to go next?

P.S. Finally nailed the bread & butter blue lick @80bpm, working on the 120...

You're welcome!

Originally Posted by: imccowatt

Thanks to the rock voicings in rock level 1, I've been able to figure out a passable version of AC/DC's "You shook me all night long". This always eluded me in that I couldn't figure out how the blazes Angus was making the chord changes. Turns out, with the rock voiced versions it's quite easy :-)

[/quote]

That's great news. Glad to hear you are learning songs. And using GT course skills to do it! That's how this whole thing is supposed to work. Well done!

Originally Posted by: imccowatt

Top of my list once I'm through Rock Level 2. Eventually. Seem to have "found my level" with that one and having to work through it slowly and methodically.

[/quote]

Good deal. Glad you are being patient & honest with yourself.

Originally Posted by: imccowatt

Yeah, simple crotchets so far.

Even at slower tempos (heck especially at slower tempos) it's a great idea to work in patterns that alternate 1/4 & 1/8, or 1/4 & rests. Real music seldom has a static rhythm. Incorporating syncopations & varied subdivision is a great idea as soon as you are able. If you are still just getting comfortable with the patterns, then it's okay to keep the rhythm simple.

[quote=imccowatt]

I'm thinking that, with a reasonable handle on the major scale, this'd be quite a good place to go next?

If you want to play riff based rock rock music, then pentatonic is definitely a great thing to work on.

[quote=imccowatt]

P.S. Finally nailed the bread & butter blue lick @80bpm, working on the 120...

Outstanding! Well done. Thanks for the update. Full speed ahead!