Scales are a vital part of learning how to play. Memorize the scales. After you have done that I will address a common scale problem that people have when playing. Often people go up a scale and do not retrace back their steps. This is a mistake for many reasons.

1. The ear loves repetition

2. The retraced scale often has different dynamics

3. It is easier to build something else off of this

I demonstrate going out and coming back in scales on mandolin in this video. Also pay attention to me fingering frets on the G string something that many beginners never do. Learning to incorporate the G string into your solos and playing is essential.





- Joe Gelb

http://www.twitter.com/josephgelb