One of the questions I posed was this: What are the components of melody? There's a simple answer to this, at least mechanically. Note that I'm not asking what the components of a GOOD melody might be.
1 - Notes
2 - Rhythm
3 - Articulation
Thinking about this isn't so much of an answer to "Why bother playing scales?" It's more an answer to "Why do I feel like playing scales doesn't help my improvisation?"
How is it an answer? Simple. Think about how you practice scales. If you're like most people, you play up and down in constant eighth notes or sixteenths, maybe practice some intervals or simple patterns, and that's really about it. Forget the fact that you're just practicing notes sequentially; you're just practicing notes, period!
Rhythm is simple to define. It's the spatial (chronological) relationship of different notes. So try playing your scales with some different rhythms!
Articulation is more complex. Basically stated, it's how a note is played. It could include things like dynamics, timbre, how it's attacked (harmonics, ligado, etc) what you do with it afterwards (bending, sliding...). So try playing around with some different articulations when you practice your scales.
Bottom line - You will play what you practice, so try to keep your practicing Interesting!
Brant Grieshaber - guitarist
Guitar Teacher
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