Linky_Lee wrote:
I didn't say being able to play them makes you a better musician.
Scales have their place in learning how to play.
They get your fingers moving and most people find that they can begin to improvise if they know a Dmajor scale when someone tells them to play in D.
Yes you can do this by ear. Many people do, but this is theory. A different aspect, another approach, it can only aid your understanding. Also playing scales helps you ear learn the sound patterns of scales and intervals. This is a theoretical way to understand and be able to communicate to others what you ears are hearing.
I also didn't say ' these are the scales to know'
As I've already said and apologised for, I was merely giving some information on the vastness of the subject.
On another point, most young children in the UK learning an instrument will be having lessons through a local music authority and will be encouraged to take exams.
I believe if you can study and get to grips with anything that is music related it will help you in your playing somewhere, somehow, somewhen.
Mr.Myles - yes 12 chromatic scales, one for each note. And the simplified versions I meant only for the whole tone scales as the notes repeat themselves. C E F# G# A# or C# D# F G A B
that covers all twelve semi-tones.