Originally written on May, 7th, 2023.
Just like so many, if not all, who are struggling to learn guitar, I have asked myself: Do I have to spend time playing scales? The answer to the question is no, if the goal is only to play accompaniment to singing using basic “cowboy chords.” If the goal is loftier, then the answer is a resounding yes. If you intend to become a nimble guitar player, scales are not something you skip practicing. The goal of practicing scales is not to be able to play them for others. Indeed, not a single person enjoys listening to you play scales. But wait! If no one enjoys listening to scales, what is the benefit? It is multifaceted. If we categorize it into three parts, there is benefit for understanding, benefit for memory, and benefit for technical proficiency.
Understanding
A scale is nothing more than a collection of notes arranged at specific intervals so that when the notes are played one after another, they sound good. Gradually, the ear learns to recognize the intervals, making it easier to figure out the key of a musical piece being played. Just as the alphabet is the basic unit for reading, scales are the basic unit in all music theory. Chords are built based on scales, so if you emphasize playing and understanding scales, you lay the foundation for understanding chord theory and music theory in general. Because of the connection between chords and scales, understanding scales is very helpful for composition and enables you to play improvisations over a chord progression.
Memory
Memory is patchy and can become a hindrance when playing songs and arrangements. This is especially true when playing under pressure. Songs and musical pieces are composed based on scales, so a good knowledge of them helps the memory. If the scales are practiced and fixed in memory, their patterns on the guitar neck are learned. Little by little, they become ingrained, and muscle memory strengthens. While you cannot rely entirely on muscle memory, it can be of great help.
Many a guitar player has played for years without knowing where all the notes are on the guitar neck. If you are diligent about practicing scales, you learn where the root notes are, and from them, the fretboard of the guitar is mapped out in your mind.
Technical Proficiency
Practicing scales is a good way to practice technical proficiency on the guitar. The coordination of both hands strengthens, and the flow between notes becomes more secure and even. The alternation between the fingers of the plucking hand becomes more secure and accurate, and if plucking with a guitar pick, the movement between strings and the correct use of the pick is trained. Practicing scales is a good way to practice playing fast but with precision at the same time. Proficiency in playing scales enables you to decorate the music you are practicing with riffs and solos, which can be quite fun. Furthermore, scales provide a clear vision and a sense of achievement, which becomes motivation to continue.
Now, I have been dabbling in guitar playing for quite a few years, and I wish I could say I have done everything prescribed here, but no. I have not done well at all. Now that is going to change. Scales will be played systematically from now on. This article was intended to answer the question: Why should I practice scales? And the answer is simply: Because it is good for you. The next question is: “How to practice scales?” That question will perhaps be answered in future articles when I tell of how I am doing with my scale exercises.