Re: Scales.
"Scales are tools" ... I couldn't agree more. Just as arpeggios, double stops and chords are tools. But like any tool, if you don't learn to use it to its fullest extent, only a finite amount of satisfaction will be derived. You don't learn to use them to their fullest extent without consistent practice (at least an hour or two a day for me). I tend to use scales for warm up, practice (especially ascending and descending scales) and incorporate them into playing. It wasn't until it clicked for me that utilizing the different tools into a single lick, solo or fill, that I realized I wasn't using the tools to their fullest extent. I now mix two or more tools such as portions of Major, minor, pentatonic, blues, arpeggios, double stops, etc. into a single solo (dependent upon what the song allows). Now I know why I felt as if I had reached a plateau and felt as though I wasn't making any significant progress at one point. Once I figured out how to use the tools together, it seems I find or can create something with pretty much any song... It has really provided me a better understanding of the fret-board and shifting and, it has opened (at least to date) what seems to be limitless doors for improvisation...even with first time tunes I have never played before.
I don't think I'll ever reach a state of Thile or Stuart 'esque (or the like), But, I'm having fun with it ... and even picking up some pocket change a couple times a month ... just for having fun!!
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