Scale Workshops

Practise scales with Simon in four recorded workshops, moving from a one-octave G-major scale to right-hand alternation, rhythmic control and shifts across the fingerboard. Each session uses a familiar pattern to focus attention on how you play, not just which notes you know.

Have your guitar ready, pause whenever you need to, and repeat a short section before moving on. These are recordings of live sessions; announcements and references to forthcoming events belong to the original broadcasts.

Choose your starting point

• Workshop 1: thumb technique, tone and a one-octave scale — the most accessible starting point.
• Workshop 2: a two-octave scale and right-hand alternation — expand the pattern and refine the sound.
• Workshop 3: coordination, rhythm and speed bursts — work with the two-octave pattern you already know.
• Workshop 4: shifting scales — connect positions and explore where to shift.

Workshop 1: thumb technique and a one-octave G-major scale

Simon begins with the right-hand thumb, using open strings to work on a relaxed hand, a consistent movement and an even sound. He then introduces a one-octave G-major scale, its notes and scale degrees, before exploring dynamics and rhythmic variations.

Find a section in the video

• 2:44 — The one-octave scale and the aim of the workshop
• 3:44 — Thumb position and movement
• 17:25 — Consistency of tone and volume
• 33:46 — Dotted rhythms

These links open the relevant moment on YouTube.

Practice focus: take one variable at a time. First aim for an even tone and volume; then try shaping a crescendo and diminuendo without losing control of the movement.

Workshop 2: two octaves and right-hand alternation

The second workshop introduces the two-octave G-major scale in second position. Simon explores its notes and shapes, compares right-hand approaches, and uses accents to help you check whether the fingers are alternating consistently.

Find a section in the video

• 6:38 — Introduce the two-octave G-major scale
• 17:43 — Thumb and index alternation
• 21:58 — Check alternation with accents

These links open the relevant moment on YouTube.

Practice focus: learn the scale slowly enough that finding the notes does not take all your attention. Then listen to your tone and watch the right hand, especially at string crossings where an unintended repeated finger can creep in.

Workshop 3: coordination, rhythm and speed bursts

Using the same two-octave scale, Simon works on accurate left-hand placement, coordination between the hands, triplets and faster rhythmic groups. He then introduces speed bursts and a single-string scale for practising shifts. If the scale itself is still unfamiliar, return to Workshop 2 first; you can also try the rhythmic ideas on a single note.

Find a section in the video

• 8:04 — Review the scale and finger placement
• 11:30 — Coordination for legato and speed
• 25:28 — Introduce speed bursts
• 34:07 — Begin single-string shifting work

These links open the relevant moment on YouTube.

Practice focus: distinguish a quick, controlled movement from a hurried passage. Use the space between bursts to release unnecessary tension and reset before the next group.

Workshop 4: connect positions with shifting scales

The final workshop develops the shifting work, beginning with left-hand movement and chromatic patterns before returning to G major. Simon explores shifting scales over two octaves and extends the discussion to three octaves and the relationship between scale choices and chord shapes.

Find a section in the video

• 6:10 — The aims of the shifting workshop
• 12:28 — A chromatic shifting exercise
• 17:08 — Avoid accents after a shift
• 19:51 — A G-major scale on one string
• 22:55 — Return to the two-octave scale

These links open the relevant moment on YouTube.

Practice focus: listen to the note immediately after each shift. Does the movement create an accent or a gap that the music does not call for? Compare a passage with and without a shift to give your ear a reference.

Turn a workshop into a practice session

1. Choose one problem to work on: tone, alternation, rhythm, coordination or shifting.
2. Watch the relevant demonstration and pause to try it yourself.
3. Repeat with a specific listening goal, rather than running the scale automatically.
4. Return to a familiar piece and notice where the same skill is needed.

Continue your practice

• A short lesson on legato shifting
• Give your scale practice a specific goal
• Browse the technique library