Practical Theory: Practice Tips for Scales (Part 3)

In this third and final installment of the Practice Tips for Scales series, we continue our look at the Major tetrachord formula to practicing scales. (Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2).

This week, we dive into arpeggios, using consistent patterns to repeat on the upper register of the neck. Once we get comfortable with the pattern, it is easy to repeat it, regardless of your position on the neck. To make it easier, stay on the same string when moving up an octave. Just duplicate the pattern, and do that for all the licks you practice to gain comfort with the entire fretboard.

The key is to find the “landmark” of the Major tetrachord or arpeggio, and you should start to feel more comfortable moving across strings.