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I have been using this formula WWHWWWH on each string to help my 58 year old brain memorize the notes of a given scale on a particular string. I have realized that just sliding from note to note sounds really good using these interval spaces!
Does knowing and using this formula have added benefit I haven’t thought of? I mean are intermediate and advanced players thinking about this formula when they play??
Thanks!
Scott -
Scott,
I played guitar a long time without ever worrying about major scales. A couple of years ago, I started to learn the major scales, and one of the exercises I did was to play the scales along a single string as you describe. And it is a good way to learn the note names.
Probably more important is learning the major scales (as well as others) vertically across the neck in various positions as this is the way you will put them to use. As to your question about thinking in terms of intervals. I certainly am not thinking about the scale intervals when I play them. I am thinking about positions and patterns. If you are playing blues for example, you are most likely playing something other than a major scale and trying to remember intervals could be tough. If I get a bit lost, then I will think notes in the scale and where they are on the neck.
I am sure there are a variety of thoughts on the subject, as everyone has a different approach.
Hope this helps.
Bob
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Thank you for your feedback Bob S.!
I was questioning myself as to whether learning the notes horizontally along the strings would be beneficial because as you say, I am playing vertically, which is what I do when I’m playing the 5 pentatonic shapes. I’m playing them both vertically and somewhat horizontally when moving between the shapes….but most of the time I have no idea what note I’m on. I just know the patterns and shapes.
Perhaps me trying to memorize the notes horizontally and vertically at strategically placed frets (I.e. 3,5,7,9)in combination will help me.
I know I’m probably over-thinking this but it seems so overwhelming. I just keep telling myself I’m better than I was last month.
Thanks again!
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Knowing the notes will never hurt. And knowing the major scales will also help you. You might try this too. Play the major scale then play the scale again and lower the 7th one fret. That’s mixolydian. Then do it again, but add the half step between the 2nd and 3rd. That pattern is w,h,h,h,w,w,h,w. And that is the major and minor pentatonic, combined.
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