How to Use Melodic Scales
- 1). Examine the key signature of the piece of music you intend to learn. The key signature can be found on the first line of music and contains anywhere from one to seven musical symbols known as sharps or flats.
- 2). Locate the scale with the corresponding key signature on your sheet music. Give extra attention to notes that may be unfamiliar.
- 3). Practice playing the scale on your respective instrument. When learning a scale, start by playing one octave up and down. An octave is the distance from one letter to the same letter above or below.
- 4). Practice playing the scale with different divisions of the beat. Start with a slow tempo for the beat and gradually increase the tempo as you become more proficient.
- 5). Depending on the range of your individual instrument, learn the scale in as many continuous octaves as possible.
- 6). Transfer your scale practice to your song, noting sections that mimic the corresponding scale.
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