Memorising scales, chords etc?

[shropshire_lad]

I've read quite a lot of theory about scales and chords as I want to be able to improvise with them. However although I can work out a chord from from it's name using theory I can't do this quick enough to use in a solo - everyone else has moved on and while I've been thinking and I've lost my place.

Can anyone suggest how I can memorise chords quickly and effectively? Or is the only solution playing scale patterns until I no longer have to think?

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks, Dave

 

[Linky Lee]

If learning chords through a scale approach I tend to think in intervals. So learn the patterns. Then you just apply it to a root note instead of learning 12 different major scales. Really they're all the same.
Same goes for Minor, Modes, and any kind of scale.

When playing scales, practise arpeggios and think about the chords you're building with the arpeggios. You'll soon start making links and finding progressions through common changes and substitute scales/chords.

Another method is to learn the sounds. Learn what a major scale sounds like. Try working out one you don\'t know by listening and letting your fingers find the right keys to create the correct intervals.

Also you can then play scales over chords to learn what the chords sound like and how scales can relate to chords and what tones of the scale give which effect.

I think with modes and substitutes this method gives you a much better understanding than the theory.
I say that because purely from a theory view D dorian and C major, E phrygian are exactly the same. So are various other scales etc. it's only in a certain context that it is defined to which it is. But when you're listening, D dorian is only D dorian and you'll learn the Dorian sound/feel.

 

[shropshire_lad]

Linky - will incorporate the above in my scale practice - I think working out unknown scales will help with my ear training too.

I actually made a bit of progress on improvisation yesterday when I realised I'd been thinking too hard about finding the 'right' notes and neglecting rhythm.

Thanks, Dave

 

[griff136]

I agree with Linky Lee. Practice often enough and you should be able to commit them to memory - after all - you know your 5 times table dont you? how long ago did you learn that?

I reached a point where I wasnt getting any better, yeah i practiced most days playing stuff i liked and new. So I decided to have some lessons .My tutor told me that my weak point was my not knowing my scales, arpeggios, and simple chords from memory .

I now try and play every day and I start with long notes, then I do my scales and arpeggios for at least half an hour. - my improvising has improved 5 fold.

 

[Linky Lee]

only 5 fold.

You can't be doing enough then! 😛

Seriously though. I think it's something you have to have under your belt if you want to be a competent improvisor. It gives you something to fall back upon when you loose your way, it can help you understand what your ear tells you and numerous other things.

I think the thing to be aware of though is that you aren't thinking something like: play scale A, here we go move to scale C here comes the place where I can use scale C, get it ready. And so on.

The improvisation should still be free, but your fingers and mind know the way around the harmony, and your ears are telling them which bits to use and when.

Off to practice those scales and arps. I try to do some every day, but I don't have the discipline yet. Half the problem is that I work different hours every week so I never have a set routine. It's resulted in me playing less frequently and for less time. I don't like it. Gotta try and sort a routine out.

 

[shropshire_lad]

Thanks griff136 and Linky for your advice

Good analogy - 5 times table... That gives me confidence that I will, eventually, just know the most common chords.

So some good old fashioned drilling is in need and a bit of patience. I finally got tough on myself and set up a practice routine today starting with long notes and scales + chords.

 

[Simon]

Knowing the letter names is fine - the next jump is being able to hear these things so that you can play them without having to think... cos the number #1 that'll slow you down if you want to play music with emotion is thinking too much 🙂

Simon

 

[shropshire_lad]

Thanks Simon,

I'm planning of getting / using Aebersold's Ear Training book/CD - thinking that will help with "hearing these things". I'm happy that you recommend not thinking too much 🙂

Dave

 

[daniel_mark_wonnell]

Simon, you are a wise man. Just feel it. If the groove says it is a cold and rainy morning, then play a cold and rainy morning, you could solo to a break in the rain and happy it up a bit, but bring them back the groove. Bring 'em back to the cold rain. Play the scales and the chords, but pay attention to how the sounds make you feel. That's just my opinion.