learning scales

**henry2010** · Mar-05-2010, 9:34pm

Hi I have made a few posts on here letting everyone know I am knew to the mandolin, music. From what I have read I know scales are important. My question is where can I go to get some material online about scales, what they are, how to play them? I don't know any terminology for music so I really want to learn what it all means to help me play. I have bought a few books: Irish Mandolin Playing Book/CD Set by Philip John Berthoud and
Teach Yourself to Play Mandolin by dan fox. Should i get a book on music theory?

**hisongz** · Mar-05-2010, 10:37pm

Do - Re - Mi - Fa - Sol - La - Ti - Do like the song in the Sound of Music
is a simple scale. There are different half steps in different keys but
don't worry about that now; just have fun! I know a lot of Nashville
session players who can't read a note of written music, so get that
mando in tune and have at it!

Ron

**swinginmandolins** · Mar-05-2010, 10:55pm

You can find info on music theory on line such as here: http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/theory/theory.htm

Pete Martin has a theory book here: http://www.petimarpress.com/books.html

Then you can find some scales here: http://www.mandozine.com/music/searc...rder=A&submit=

You will need TablEdit for the mandozine scales here:http://www.tabledit.com/download/index.shtml

Also check out FFcP here: http://www.jazzmando.com/ Don't let the Jazz title scare you , there is a ton of good information to help you on you journey.

You don't need theory to play but it sure makes playing much easier and opens doors to cross genres of music and to feel more comfortable with your instrument. If you learn to read also you will have more material available. It all depends on what you hope to accomplish. Scales in particular will open your ears to the notes and help you brain make the connection to the fingers. I'm glad I started learning theory and am still learning.

Have fun!!

**Rob Gerety** · Mar-06-2010, 7:55am

Consider taking some lessons.

**Dave Weiss** · Mar-06-2010, 1:03pm

Henry, you might want to pick up a copy of "Painless Mandolin Melodies" by Wayne Erbsen. It's a very simple, but "technical" little book that will help get you started.

**JeffD** · Mar-06-2010, 1:06pm

This has been a veryhelpful publication for lots of folks. You can take in as much as your interested in and leave the rest for another time, or not go back, as you find it useful.

**Darren Bailey** · Mar-07-2010, 1:57pm

The G scale is good for moving up to play in A. Then if you learn C and D you'r epretty much covered for moving them into different positions - at least that's what I've been doing.