I find that scale sequences are one of the best ways to add or release tension in a solo. Sometimes a solo just calls out to end on a low note. In that case, descending scale patterns are a great way to get there. Other times, you want to lead up to a searing high note. An ascending scale sequence can do the job nicely there.

Hopefully these exercises will get you interested in scale patterns. These are just a few common examples. If you search hard enough, you will find tons of other out there. Or you can come up with your own!

For the past several months I have been obsessed with playing classical pieces on my acoustic - a quick look at the most recent lessons makes this very apparent! This weekend I decided it was time to take out the good old electric guitar and do a quick, simple, flashy exercise.

I know many players find practicing scales boring. In this guitar lesson, I will show you one of many approaches to sequence a scale - that is, play a scale using a repeatable pattern. Exercises of this sort reinforce certain mechanics of playing. In this case, we use a pattern of 6 notes and due to the manner in which they are arranged, the eercise reinforces alternate picking across adjacent strings. In addition the exercise has you covering a wide range of the fretboard (like many of my exercises!) which furthermore reinforces rapid position shifting and fretboard knowledge.

As you can see from the tab, the basis of this exercise is a pattern of 6 notes which we repeat in an ascending fashion until ending at the 22nd fret on the high E string. I played the riff using alternate picking and I recommend you do the same as it will do wonders for your alternate picking chops. Start slow and gradually build speed.

Good luck and have fun!

Brian