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This is a GREAT post- at least for me. I want to begin to learn the “bigger picture”.
I can play scales fairly easily, within any of the 5 “root shapes”, starting on any note, anywhere on the fretboard, ascending or descending. And be able to “continue on” to the next root shape and keep going till I run out of frets. Not TOO much problem.
I do NOT have the exact scale pattern- (for EACH root shape)- actually MEMORIZED yet. I just play the scale from the root-note (“1”), using the major scale formula (WWHWWWH ascending, or HWWWHWW descending).
At this point, I’m trying hard to see the NEED to memorize each note location as in a “rigid-memorized pattern”, rather than just play the scale from the formula(s). Wiser people than I– whom I think a lot of– have told me that I need to do this, though, so I will.
Even with all of this, I am struggling to find the “big, larger, picture” of why this is all so necessary. I just can’t seem to “put it all together”. Is this for learning the fretboard overall?- OK, yes, good stuff. For playing big solos? Well……..
Maybe for me, I don’t feel like I need to be able to play solos like Keith Urban or George Harrison, or short improv licks like Vince Gill……
I think I just look at improv-ing and soloing as kind-of “fun” things to mess around with, rather than an absolutely necessary “must” thing to learn……
I don’t wanna be “lazy” about it, but I think I pretty-much just wanna have a decent/somewhat respectable amount of know-how if I’m trying to play along with others—- and be “good” with that.
And also just have FUN when I grab a guitar- even if it’s just me practicing by myself. I don’t EVER want it to be “work”, or a never-ending, uphill, struggle.
Again- your post is great! A really BIG win! And many others may be watching, hoping there are some good replies. I know I will be.
theoldcoach