Question:
How long will it take me to play all sax scales?
(Currently can play “nil” major scales)
A few other people have said they know zero of the major scales.
Response:
How long it will take you to learn the scales on saxophone depends on many things.
They include whether you have played instruments before, how much you practice, whether you have a teacher, etc.
But probably the best way is to learn one scale and then see how it goes and how long it takes.
I would say half the scales will take approximately as long as it takes to learn the first scale. The other half will probably take half that time.
There are similarities between scales.
For example, the difference between C major and G major is one note, the F#.
If it took you a very long time to learn your first scale, it may take quite a bit less time to learn another scale.
Once you have learned a few scales, it’s probably going to be more accurate that the next one will take about as long as the previous one.
What do you think? Let me know what your experience learning scales has been! Leave a comment below.
Hi Neal, I actually found that learning the C major scale first helped me to learn the others quite quick! In most cases there is only a 1 note change between the major scales.
Yes, that can be a good way to think about it.
Neal, sure appreciate your patience with us all, You must be a very patient man. Have a lot of instruments to practice on, and I pick up one or the other for some practice most everyday. But I do this as a learning thing and just having fun learning, of course I want to get better, but that just takes time. Thanks again for you help. Brian
I started with basic C Scale. It took me quite a while because of change from C to D. After that worked through G, D & A. They have been pretty much fast. Whenever it goes to higher notes and sharp notes it is a bit tough especially from the fingering perspective.
Otherwise it has been very easy
Thanks for sharing Nikhil
The scales are fairly easy except when it involves going from the lowest register to the highest register. I have trouble with coming back down especially if it has octaves
Thanks for sharing Betty.
Learn C Major first since it has no sharps and flats. All natural notes. Then walk up the circle of fifths doing G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, B Major, F Major, F# Major, C# Major in that order. That will cover 9 of 12 major scales and that is a hell of a great start. Take your time, its not a race. Also, concentrate on going up and down one octave until you get your legs under you. Teachers that press the two octave too soon will only frustrate and confuse you. Keep it simple and have fun. Travis.
Thanks Travis, seems like that approach worked well for you.