Exercises – Scales

Below are some ways to practice the scales you have learned.

For all scales

Try playing the scale in different ways. Refer to the handout below for more information.

Playing scales handout.

Major and Minor scales

Play major and minor scales and the chords contained in those scales.

Mode of the Major Scale

Play through the modes. Transpose them to different keys.

Play through the modes as 13th chords.

Modes of Melodic Minor

Play through the modes of melodic minor. Transpose to different keys. Play the chords associated with the modes of melodic minor.

For all scales

Be sure to try improvising using all the scales and the chords contained in them – either over a drone or a chord progression.