I need help memorizing scales!(Bass Clarinet)?

Question

Does anyone have any tips on memorizing all of the scales in at least two octaves for the bass clarinet? I need to learn them by January, which is plenty of time, but still, help would be apreciated.
Thanks!

Answer 1

There are many ways to learn scales and each one works differently for different people.

1) rote - just play them over and over and memorize them.

2) mathematical - a major scale is built upon a mathematical sequence of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (w= whole step, h=half step). ie: C major - C-D (W), D-E (W), E-F (H), F-G (W) etc...

3) key signature - every scale has a key signature. As long as you know the key signature, you can walk up the scale. This requires memorizing key signatures. The key of F has a key signature of one flat (Bb) so the scale is F G A Bb C D E F

The advantage to #3 is that you learn all the key signatures AND you can apply that method to other scales like minors and modes just by knowing which steps to alter. For example - a mixolydian (V7) scale has a b7 step. In F, same as the major but with a b7 - F A Bb C D Eb F If you know F major by key signature, you also know the relative d minor by key signature because they're the same.

So, decide which method you like first - then start going that way. The disadvantage to method #1 is that you'll later have to memorize other types of scales the same way.

You'll have to learn all the key signatures eventually anyway, may as well do it now and apply that knowledge to your scales. Just get some note cards, make a set of flash card with each key signature on it, and memorize.

Answer 2

The purpose behind memorizing scales is that when you see a scale passage in a composition, your fingers automatically know what keys to place down without you having to think what the notes are in the passage. That being said, you need to play the scales looking at them on the printed page so that you will recognize them when they appear in a composition. Play them slowly and accurately then gradually increase the speed without loosing accuracy. You can repeat this process not looking at the scales until they are "under your fingers" as musicians say. When I was a young man taking private lessons, I could see no benefit in memorizing scales. I looked at it as busy work. When I got to college where I was playing much more difficult literature that had numerous scale passages, I saw the light. Should you continue with your music instruction, you will too. Sounds like you've had this assignment for some time, but have put it off.

Answer 3

You COULD use the Rubank book, but I strongly disapprove from a personal standpoint. See, if you memorize them by notes on the page, then you will always have to have the notes on he page. If you memorize them using the circle of 5ths, then it will be easier. Just look at the key, if you need a fingering chart, use it, and then work from there. Then if you have fast passages in music (which a lot of times are scales esp. in clarinet music) then you will just have to analyze the scale, a play it.

But again, either way will work. I'm not saying which one works better. It depends on the person. Just play around with it and keep doing it over and over! :)

Answer 4

Try to find scale sheets and method books that will teach you all of the scales. I recommend the Rubank Advanced Methods (Vol. 1 and 2). They have you play the scales (both major and minor), in regular scales and chromatics, plus they have pieces for each key in the back.

Just start playing them over and over again. The more practice that you get with them, the easier things will be.

Answer 5

Repetition is they key. Play them over and over and over etc!