Q&A: Why Bother Learning Scales?

Lesson #467 • Jan 12, 2023

Hey there, friends! Quick Q&A video, where I want to tackle the topic of scales: why they’re worth learning, when they’re NOT worth learning, and a few ways they can come in handy even if you have no interest in lead guitar.

Thanks Timothy for sending in this question – I hope this answer helps!

Lesson Discussion

Links from this video

Justin Sandercoe interviewing Steve Vai

The clip I showed is from Justin’s Instagram post. The full 12-minute interview is below. It’s pretty great to see how engaged Steve is… no lay-up answers!

“If I Needed You” by Townes Van Zandt

Here’s the Anyone Can Play Guitar video lesson I cite:

And here’s Van Zandt’s original recording of the song:

And of course, there’s my Practical Music Theory course which I recommend checking out!

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Hey there! My name is David Potsiadlo, and I'm the creator of the 400+ weekly lessons here at Song Notes, going back to 2013. Here’s my guitar story »

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Q&A: Why Bother Learning Scales?

Lesson Discussion

Links from this video

Justin Sandercoe interviewing Steve Vai

“If I Needed You” by Townes Van Zandt

Major Scale Positions and CAGED Chord Shapes

Walk-ups, Walk-downs, and the fretboard

How I Learned to Travis Pick with "Clay Pigeons"