Scales are a collection of notes that go together. They can be practiced by playing one note at a time. They are not chords which are a group of notes played at one time.

Scales can be played by going up the scale pattern and then down. This means we’ll start with the note lowest in pitch and play each subsequent note.

Let’s use the pentatonic scale as an example in the tab below:

Why Do We Play Scales?

Solos and lead guitar parts are built from the notes of a scale, so a lot of people practice scales to prepare for playing lead guitar.

They also act as a great exercise and get you familiar with what notes go together in a song.

They are important step in your guitar education.