3 Note Per String Scales
One of the best ways to play a Scale on the Guitar is to divide the scale in a way where you can play 3 notes on each string. Apart from being easy to remember the scale shape, it also allows you to create good sounding runs and its a great way to better Picking hand and Fretting hand co-ordination.
Remember to always use alternate picking. Just the scale in itself is an excellent exercise for Alternate picking.
Once you learn one particular shape you could start from any note, play the same shape and end up playing in another key.
In the example below (see PDF below for the shape) F Major Scale is played, starting from the 1st Fret. Now if you play the exact same shape from the 5th Fret (A Note on the 6th string), you would end up playing the A Major Scale! One Major scale shape allows you to learn 12 Major Scales.
Same holds true for Minor scales, Modes, Blues Scale etc.
Remember to always use alternate picking. Just the scale in itself is an excellent exercise for Alternate picking.
Once you learn one particular shape you could start from any note, play the same shape and end up playing in another key.
In the example below (see PDF below for the shape) F Major Scale is played, starting from the 1st Fret. Now if you play the exact same shape from the 5th Fret (A Note on the 6th string), you would end up playing the A Major Scale! One Major scale shape allows you to learn 12 Major Scales.
Same holds true for Minor scales, Modes, Blues Scale etc.