[Stevo123]

Recently I've run into a common problem I'm sure many have when learning to play guitar: turning scales into melodies instead of just noodling around on them. I wanted to share a website I came across that is really helping me out. It's a collection of short melodic patterns, 112 in all, but they then recommend taking the patterns and applying them to the modes of ever scale and playing at different positions and fingerings. I've been working my way through them, practicing with a metronome and extending the patterns through all the modes, and it's really helping me with my improvisation. The website is http://www.zentao.com/guitar/patterns/ if you want to check it out. Very worthwhile and a much more efficient practice tool than simply playing up and down scales.

[caspersvapors]

thanks, ive actually be trying to do the same thing. ill def check it out

[Pete B.]

I believe that link is part of this great site:
http://www.zentao.com/guitar/theory/

I haven't worked the Melodic Patterns, but the Music Theory stuff kicks ass!... (as in... I totally "get it" the way this guy lays it out).

Dark Star is just one example of a melody that is pulled right out of the scale.
The Dead have a ton of 'em!
Cool,
~pb

[dleonard]

Wow man, awesome looking stuff. I'll be working some of it out tomorrow. It's unreal how much this site helps my guitar playing.

[Billbbill]

NIce find! Excellent exercises for the fingers and interval recognition.

[mrMix]

Check out Sheets of Sound book I (http://www.sheetsofsound.net/) - I bought it a couple of months back and it's great for just these types of exercises

[cumberlandmine]

Great stuff for improving creativity, dexterity, and speed.

Reminds me a lot of a book called "Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar" by Troy Stetina - I recommend

[NWPines]

Thanks for posting this, looks like a good resource. Hopefully it'll help me break out of the rut I'm in. A couple months ago I had a huge burst of improvement, it seemed like every time I picked up the guitar something new and exciting would happen, with lots of "I get it" moments. But he last couple weeks have been like hitting my head against a wall.