Creative Practicing | Scales

I know…we all have to learn scales and some of them are memorized a bit quicker than others. Scales can get monotonous, so I wanted to share some of the ways I spice up my scale practice.

First: Never start in C-major again.

Some ways that you can never start in c-major again:

• Randomizing app that picks your next key

• Flash cards that you draw at random (I use a 3x5” notecard cut in half and one side has key centers on it).

• 12-sided die from board games (check out this foam one!)

Second: Play descending first.

(Who says we have to always start ascending?)

Third: you don’t have to play complete octaves.

Start on the lowest note of your instrument that is in the scale. Play to the highest note on your instrument that is in the scale. I know you’ll be technically playing a mode, but it could help you think about your instrument and scales in new ways.

(Shown here is a Ab-major scale)

Fourth: The Disjunct Scale

You know the notes of the scale, but try playing each of them in a different octave (no stepwise movement)! If you were playing F# major, the order would still be F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F#, however each would be in a different octave. It will definitely rattle the brain for a while as you solidify the notes and work on your leaps!

(Shown here is a F#-major scale)

Fifth: Two different scales at the same time.

How well do you know your scales? Well enough to play two of them at the same time? Start with two mallets: your right and left hand each playing a different scale in parallel motion. It might be easier to start with one hand playing C major, just to make the contour a bit easier.

(Shown here is F major in the Left hand and Db major in the right hand.)

If you get the hang of that, do the same thing in contrary motion. Keep challenging yourself with the randomizing app or flash cards to keep your keys fresh every day!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact me at the button below!