Video Question: Are Scales Necessary?

Return to Video Question and Answer Listings
Date: December 14th, 2007 | Length: 3.15 | Instructor: Matt Hammond

Jodyd asks "Is it really necessary to learn scales as part of learning the guitar? Once I memorized some scales, how would apply these to my playing?" Another benefit of being a member of JamPlay is the video response section. Our expert staff fields questions from our members and provides video responses each week.

Other Video Responses:

Learning on Acoustic or Electric - August 28th, 2008 (3 minutes, 30 seconds)

Lucasholland asks "Hey guys, after realizing that my first, classical guitar is a piece of ***** when it comes to quality, adjustability and ease of play, I've decided to stick with playing the guitar and investing some more money. I've only been playing for about a week, so I'd consider myself almost a complete beginner. I've heard a lot of people say that one should start out on an acoustic guitar because it's easier to switch to an electric later than vice versa. My guitar hero is John Mayer and I'd eventually like to be able to play both acoustic and electric guitar, like him. My question is: Is it wise to start out on an electric or should I learn to play the acoustic guitar first? Thanks! Lucas." View Response

help - May 23rd, 2008 (1 minutes, 19 seconds)

Puma_jaguar asks, "Hi My name is Saul ,im taking lessons with Steve Eulberg and im a begginer i really enjoy the lessons, i have an acoustic guitar Esteban legacy AL-100 41" and i think that the neck of my guitar is very small im not sure,the top of the neck is 1 5/8" and low is 2 1/8", i have problem when i'm playing the easy c cord ,my first finger hit the second string first fret, but when im playing part of my tip of my finger touches the first string too and it makes a buzz all the time i dont know if it is because the neck is very small and the strings are really close could you tell me, if there is a position that will help me not to make my tip touch both strings ( how will i change to easy c chord to d7th chord?) if the neck is small or how should i bend my fingers in this case? . how should i hold the guitar guitar easier? is the position of my thumb incorret ? thanks" View Response

- July 9th, 2008 (2 minutes, 10 seconds)

lespauljr asks, "I have noticed that a lot of heavy metal guitarists use the Floyd Rose Whammy Bar system. It seems to give them quite a unique and very "Metal" sound. I am looking to blend the sounds of Heavy Metal and Country to achieve a unique voice. So my question to you is...How can I install a Floyd Rose Whammy Bar system on my acoustic guitar? Jamplay rocks always! Vaya con Dios, lespauljr" View Response

strings - April 21st, 2008 (3 minutes, 44 seconds)

Kenrahn says, "Hi, I'm a beginner so I would like to know what would be the best strings for this type of guitar. It's an Alvarez Model CY135. Thank You for your help. Ken Rahn" View Response

reading sheet music - April 21st, 2008 (3 minutes, 56 seconds)

Scando says "Hi there, I am working through a classical guitar book and have come across some annotation I don't quite understand. C.2 --- C.9 --- C.2 --- C.1 --- C.7. What do the various C's stand for? Hope my diagram makes some sense Lars" View Response