Scale Practice

Scales and chords are the basis of Western music. If you want to get good at your instrument, scale practice is essential.

We’ll start by examining the scales with sharps and begin with the keys of G and D major.
The key or scale of G major has one sharp in it which is F#. So the scale is spelled:
G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G. The notes in D major are: D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D.

You can start on any note within the octave and build a major scale on that note based on the pattern of the above two scales.

There are infinite ways to practice scales. One way is to  play a scale in quarter notes for one octave up and down. Then using the same beat, play it in eighth notes  for 2 octaves. Then play the same scale in sixteenth notes for 4 octaves.  

Note: make sure to play the quarter note exercise  slow enough so that the sixteenth note exercise is doable and not too fast.
Practicing scales in this way helps you learn to keep a steady pulse while the rhythm above it changes.

As you practice any scale, listen for an even tone as well as a steady beat. Make sure each note is accurate with a full sound. Be consistent and you will see the rewards in your playing.