Break down that time into segments of practicing different areas. So for example the first ten minutes is warm up exercises which can be chromatic scale patterns covering the guitar neck up and down. At a speed that allows the notes to be played cleanly. Try to increase slowly with accuracy in time.
Then perhaps have a ten minute slot on scales. Try scales in different keys. Ten minutes on scale patterns. This is a interesting aspect of practice. The great thing about patterns is they can be applied to most scales and immediately you have achieved a new type of run which often can sound really interesting. So if you had a pattern for example that you go up four notes in the scale then back three. Start again but at the second note in the scale and go up four notes in the scale then back three. Repeat throughout the scale. Just working out new patterns is time well worth spent in practice.
Get used to the pattern and sequence of the run template and it is surprisingly easy to apply this to a another scale. Though the positioning on the guitar neck is different the pattern is the same. The runs can sound very interesting. An easy way to increase your playing dynamics.
Experiment with holding the pick and the pick or plectrum position in your fingers. Different types of picks will have a change in feel. For example a middle gauge pick with a pointed end is excellent for fast accurate clear sounding runs. Softer gauge works well for acoustic strumming. Also try and experiment where over the pickups you pick or strum. Closer to the bridge will give a more of a treble sound compared to picking over the neck pickup that will give a warmer more mellow sound.
Another useful idea is to try playing with a muted sound. This is achieved by placing the palm of your strumming hand over the guitar bridge. This has the effect of muting the strings and stopping them ringing on or sustaining after the note is played. This can give a very powerful and dynamic effect. Try different areas of the palm with different areas of the bridge. When playing runs or scales it will give a more precise sound where each note is more defined.
Guitar Scales For The Intermediate Guitarist
I have been asked many times if it is possible to create a lesson for guitar scales. So this is in the process of currently being produced for release soon. And will also be available on this site.
What seems to be a common problem is when pupils learn scales they loose keenest because they have not learnt how to apply the scales. So for example often a scale has a colour or mood sound attached to it. So a major scale is often thought of as bright and in an up mood as opposed to a minor scale which has a darker flavour to it, a sadder personality.
Also guitarists do not apply guitar scales to neck patterns. These patterns can work with many different scales as they are a pre-set sequence of notes. The effect of this is to immediately make the scale sound wider and more interesting.
Practicing patterns will also improve the guitarist's confidence, speed, tuneing and their ability to work music pieces out, improving their musical ear. Their technique and accuracy will greatly move forward. Improving playing music scales is not something to be avoided but in fact a must in order to become a better player.
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