Guitar Scale Exercises - Improve Your Speed,
Strength & Timing
To make the most effective use of the guitar scale exercises in this series, use them in
conjunction with the timing elements introduced in the timing practice lessons.
That means using quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes and gradually increasing the BPM on
your metronome (I recommend increments of 10 BPM).
Have patience and discipline with it and you'll soon notice dramatic improvements in your
ability to navigate scales in a fluid way.
Note that the exercises in this series are a general guide and can be applied to any scale
you learn. However, for any examples, I'll be using the major scale.
The important thing is you come out of this lesson with a clear process for building your
own effective guitar scale exercises rather than relying on tabs being thrown in front of you
for every single scale (although there will be separate scale exercise lessons to give you
some ideas!). In other words, look at these exercises as patterns rather than specific
notes.
Tip: These exercises are great for warming up. Spend around 10 minutes before each
practice session combining the techniques below for your chosen scale (e.g. a scale you're
currently learning).
Guitar scale exercises set #1 - Runs
Scale runs are simply where you ascend up or descend down a scale pattern in repetitive,
linear and staggered movements. Think of runs as playing a given scale in straight
sequence (e.g. note 1 up to 7 or 7 down to 1) but with interruptions or "set backs" to make
them sound more interesting.
Watch the video below for a great intro to runs...
Get the print sheet for this lesson - Includes tabs for all 20 exercises to
read away from your computer/device. Download Here (PDF)
Exercise 1
In the sequence below, each number represents a degree of a 7 note scale (most scales
have 7 notes, with 1 being the root). This is how a "4 steps forward, 2 steps back" run
would play out...
123432345654567176
>>><<>>>><<>>>><<
Using the C major scale as an example, I could apply this run sequence to its 1st position
boxed pattern as follows...
Fret 8
Exercise 2
A wider, 3-notes-per-string pattern as follows...
Fret 8
Runs can also be played across wider patterns, but start with the box and 3-notes-per-
string patterns and gradually expand to cover more of the fretboard.
Exercise 3
Don't forget to descend using the same pattern, starting from the 1st (high E) string...
176567654345432123
<<<>><<<<>><<<<>>
Tip: Try occassionally repeating sections of the run based on string pairings. You don't
always have to run up/down the entire pattern.
Below are some more run patterns for you to try.
Remember, these can be applied to any scale, including pentatonic scales (although
obviously you have fewer notes-per-octave to run through).
Remember also that you don't always have to start on the root (1) note of the scale. Once
you've learned the sequence, try starting the run pattern on each note of the scale. Test
yourself and be spontaneous!
Exercise 4
5 steps forward, 3 back ascending...
1234543234567654
>>>><<<>>>>><<<
Exercise 5
Same as Ex 4 but descending from the top to bottom of the pattern...
1765456765432345
<<<<>>><<<<<>>>
Exercise 6
2 steps forward, 1 back ascending...
121232343
><>><>><
Exercise 7
Same as above but descending...
Exercise 8
3 steps forward, 1 back ascending...
1 2 3 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 6
> > < > > > < > > > <
Exercise 9
Descending...
1 7 6 7 6 5 4 5 4 3 2 3
< < > < < < > < < < >
Getting bored? For a more entertaining head start with mastering scales and
soloing, I highly recommend the Guitar Scale Mastery course.
Exercise 10
You can also play longer, more elaborate runs. This pattern is specifically designed for 3-
notes-per-string scale patterns as it would typically involve legato playing (hammer-ons
and pull-offs).
12 3 4 5 6 5 4 3 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 1 7 6 5 4
>>>>><<<<<>>>>>>>><<<<<
Exercise 11
This exercise is also designed for 3-notes-per-string scale patterns as you play two 3-note
triplets on each string (ideally using pull-offs), ascending or descending through the scale
pattern. Remember, the numbers represent the scale degrees and can be applied to any
scale. It's the sequence, the movement between the scale's notes we're looking at here...
321321654654217217543543
<<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<
Exercise 12
We can draw out the above run even more by repeating the triplets more times on each
string...
321321654321654654217654
<<><<><<<<<><<><<><<<<<
Exercise 13
How about interrupting these triplets a bit more with a further step back at the end of every
2nd triplet? Arrgh! More to think about...
321321216546545421721717
<<><<><><<><<><><<><<><
Exercise 14
Countless combinations! We could use a "back and forth" sequence as follows...
321232126545654521712171
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>
The next few guitar scale exercises involve skipped notes in the run sequence. This means
when moving forward or back, we jump over a note or two, repeating the sequence up or
down the scale pattern. A bit more challenging to negotiate, but stay disciplined with the
metronome and there's no reason why you can't get up to a good speed with it for any
scale you learn.
Exercise 15
Starting with a descending sequence (from the "top" of the scale pattern), we play the first
note, skip a note in the scale, play the 2nd note, step back and play the note we skipped
and stagger downwards like that. For this, I could use a smaller box pattern as follows...
271675645342312
<><><><><><><>
Exercise 16
Things are going to get a little trickier now because the repetitions are more complex.
Challenge yourself with different variations on the above exercises - mix skipped note
sequences with straight sequences like in the following, gradual descent (again, using that
box pattern from above)...
217617657654654354324321
<<<><<<><<<><<<><<<><<<
Exercise 17
Now a 3-notes-per-string mixed variation...
423217671676543453432171
<><<<<>><><<<<>><><<<<>
Exercise 18
A slight variation on the above...
423671761673454353471217
<><>><<><><>><<><><>><<
Exercise 19
Or, with a wider note skip at the start of each repetition...
4 6 7 1 7 6 1 3 4 5 4 3 5 7 1 2 1 7 2 4 5 6 5 4
< > > < < > < > > < < > < > > < < > < > > < <
Exercise 20
You could also try skipping "behind" the starting note of each repetition (skip backs greyed
out). Very difficult to explain in words, so here are the diagrams! This is an ascending
pattern.
2 3 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 5 3 4 5 6 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 1 6 7
> < > > > < > > > < > > > < > > > < > > > < >
Shake off and grab a beer...
As you can probably tell by now, there are 1001 examples I could give you, but I think you
have enough variation ideas from which to build your own run sequences.
A lot of the sequences you build will be dictated by the fingering of your chosen scale
pattern. As we've seen, some runs are more accessible using 3-note-per-string scale
patterns, whereas others a better suited to narrower box patterns.
Either way, when it comes to making your own exercises, or even a solo, you should try
mixing different sequences - note skips, staggered repetitions, triplets and straight runs -
as it will all go towards improving your speed, timing and finger dexterity.
In the next part, we'll look at more effective guitar scale exercises you can use to further
develop your speed and timing. In the meantime, devote at least 10 minutes a day to the
above exercises (you don't have to cram them all into the 10 minutes, choose one per day
to work on, starting from the top).
How to Hold a Guitar
It sounds bloody obvious, but knowing how to hold a guitar properly is the most important
beginner step before you even think about working on your chords and picking/strumming.
This lesson is for both electric and acoustic guitars - the main difference is the size of the
body (acoustic guitars tend to be bulkier), but the holding position remains the same for
both types.
If there's one piece of advice I could give you, to remember every single time you pick up
the guitar... don't hunch!
So many guitarists get into the habit of hunching over their guitar. Annoys the hell out of
me. Hunching will inevitably affect your posture and can lead to back problems later in life.
Let's look at how to hold a guitar whilst sitting down...
Sitting position
A typical sitting position with open legs.
The guitar is resting on his right leg because he str
his right hand (he is right handed, in other words!)
The guitar comfortably sits just below the chest.
The guy's back is straight and his left arm (the fret
at a right angle meaning minimal strain on the wris
reaching around to press the strings.
This lady has crossed her legs, which you might find
comfortable.
If you strum with your right arm, cross your right le
Her left arm is at a more acute angle, but this is fine
reach around the fretboard comfortably and touch a
The important thing is that your fret hand arm isn't a
a 90 degree right angle as this will cause unneces
your wrist.
The elbow of her strumming (right) arm is positioned
corner of the guitar, providing a smooth pivot point
sound hole (or first pickup).
This guy has tilted his electric guitar towards him sli
him a better view of the fretboard.
Eventually, you won't need to look at the fretboard v
it's fine to tilt your guitar in this way if you need to.
You can also sit on the ground with your guitar.
Again, the legs are positioned in such a way that the
sits at chest height (or just below), with minimal h
The strumming/picking arm is in that top corner po
This guy is sat on a railway track.
He is a fool.
Nice straight back though.
To summarise:
Whether you're sitting with your legs crossed or uncrossed, ensure your knees are
high enough to support the guitar at (or just below) chest height.
Rest the dip of the guitar (most guitars have a dip for this purpose) on your lap. Rest
it on the same side as your strumming hand (e.g. if you strum with your right hand,
rest it on your right lap).
Rest the guitar flat against your chest (although some people prefer to slightly tilt it
towards them - emphasis on the word slightly!)
Don't hunch your back.
Make sure your elbow points out towards the top corner of your guitar. It should
also rest so your forearm and wrist can pivot over the strings while at the same
time supporting the body of the guitar against your body
The arm of your fret hand (the hand that presses the strings) should be at no more
than a 90 degree right angle. The more acute the angle, the less strain is put on your
wrist to reach around the fretboard.
Standing position
If you have a strap for your guitar you should practice playing standing up regularly,
because you'll find it a completely different playing experience. If you plan on playing
shows/gigs, you'll most likely want to be able to stand up and move around a bit.
A couple of examples of how (and how not) to hold a guitar standing up...
This "cool dude" has tilted the neck up for easier access to th
is fine, because it doesn't affect anything else, such as the elbo
His fret hand elbow is at no more than 90 degree angle (acute,
His back is straight.
The body of the guitar remains at a comfortable height for strum
The elbow on his strumming arm is forward, square-on with
nicely provides that pivot point.
It's subtle, but you'll also noticed his left leg is slightly bent for s
wants to lean over and get a better view of the fretboard, a lot o
go into his partially lunged leg, rather than having to hunch ove
Blimey, this lass has got it all wrong.
Firstly, the strap is way too loose and she is having to compens
over.
Secondly, her fret hand arm is at an obtuse angle (more than
angle) meaning she may cause strain on her wrist trying to rea
press the strings.
Her strumming/picking arm is also positioned with the elbow pu
meaning there's no smooth pivot point for strumming and pick
Good luck to her!
Key things to note here:
Don't loosen the strap too much. If the guitar gets too low (i.e. down at your
knees) you will have problems wrapping your fingers around the neck properly to
play chords. Nobody really cares about how "cool" or "uncool" it looks.
As a general rule, the guitar should be positioned so that your fret-hand arm is at no
more than a 90 degree right angle.
Again, don't hunch!
Still make sure your forearm is square-on and angled out towards the top corner of
your guitar (not back behind you) so it can pivot smoothly over the strings.
Remember, you can get a more in depth, video guide to guitar basics (specifically for
acoustic or electric) with a choice of professional tutors here.
Holding the guitar neck
Guitar neck hand positioning is also very important guitar basic to get right from the
beginning because playing chords will be 10 times harder if you don't get it right.
First, let's see how your fret hand would look holding the guitar from the back of the
neck...
So as you can see, your thumb should rest comfortably towards the top
edge of the guitar neck.
Your wrist should be relaxed but not hanging too low. The wrist should be
bent, but only slightly. If your wrist is bent too much, it will cause problems
later on.
If you have smaller hands, you're thumb will be positioned further
towards the center of the back of the neck.
As long as you get this initial, relaxed position first you'll be fine.
When we begin to look at chords, obviously your fingers will be moving in
many different positions, so at the moment, just focus on getting
comfortable with the general positioning of the guitar.
Note: Guitarists with larger hands may find it more comfortable to bring
their wrist up and curl the top of their thumb over the top of the
neckslightly (see photo on the left).
Comfort always comes first, but be aware, if you do choose to have your
thumb over the edge of the neck like this, you will need to move it back to
the centre of the neck for certain chords.
It will require more thumb movement, in other words.
How to hold the guitar pick
The main thing to remember when holding the plectrum is not to hold it too firmly. It needs
to flex over the strings with ease.
Holding the pick between the tips of your index finger and thumb is the best way to
acheive this.
Personally, I like to create an elongated circle like this... So it'll look like this from the fro
With pick in hand, we can see how the straightness of the thumb See how the thumb is kept rela
supports the base of the pick, and the index finger supports more
towards the tip of the plectrum.
When we get to the lessons on strumming and picking the guitar strings, holding your pick
this way will really help keep your playing smooth and flexible. You'll just glide over the
strings rather than jab at them!
Time to move on...
Hopefully now you should know how to hold a guitar properly so your playing won't be let
down by a few basic errors! You can now move on to other guitar basics such as fingering
chords and basic picking.
Remember to practice standing and sitting in equal regularity as you will find playing
standing up quite different and perhaps a bit more difficult at first. But you need to think
about the possibility of one day standing up and playing on stage!
