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!

Here is another one of my favorite scale patterns - the third interval. The third interval simply means that we play a note, then skip the next note. So with G Major scale, we play G and B, then A and C, then B and D, etc. This pattern is also very rhythmic if you group 3 consecutive thirds into a sextuplet.

Once again we are using the familiar G Major scale for this exercise.

I prefer to alternate pick this exercise. Also, even though the Tab does not indicate it, I tend to group 3 consecutive thirds and play them as sextuplets (6 notes per beat), accenting the first note of the group. Just something to consider!