Strumming Patterns & Guitar Scales?

A lot of students ask me if they need to learn guitar scales? As you’ll see in the video below it all depends on what your individual goals are. If you just want to learn a few strumming patterns along with some basic chords to play a couple of sing-a-long tunes then probably not.

However I still encourage people to learn a few scales because it really promotes left and right hand synchronization which will make learning strumming patterns a lot easier. Also your overall technique will improve which will help you learn guitar faster plus you’ll be able to embellish your chords. Just watch the video to find out what embellishments are all about. Basically it’s an awesome little technique that will turn basic chords into awesome chords if done properly.

In another post I talked about the 3 different components of music.

Learning scales will allow you to explore the awesome world of melody on the guitar. Yes it’s possible to have loads of fun on the guitar without ever playing a single melody and I guess that’s why people overlook this so often. Let’s face it, a couple of cool chords and a few rocking strumming patterns is all you need to have a cool showdown! I just reckon since melody is such an integral part of music you might as well have a go and get your feet wet. Your musicality will only benefit from this and there’s so much to learn and explore.