Just playing scales is not super musical and not very satisfying to practice. I’ve created some exercises below that are fun and will help to break up the monotony. They can also help creativity and spark ideas for leads and riffs. These exercises will help with finger dexterity, learning shapes of the scale, as well as right hand work.

Guitar has a lot to do with muscle memory. The more you get your hands and fingers used to playing things, the more naturally things will flow. These exercises are designed to build your muscle memory, finger dexterity, learning shapes of the scale, as well as right hand work. Practice these techniques often. Take note of areas you are struggling with. How can you work past the hurdle?

Notice that Fret 2, 4, 9 have notes on every string. If soloing these fret numbers would be a good landmark to keep track of where you are.

Play the E major scale in the 1st position and use string skipping.

Play the E major scale and use reverse string skipping.

Play the E major scale 2 notes per string and ascend and descend by fourths.

Play the E major scale and use three strings at once and ascend and descend.

Play the E major scale and go up by thirds and then down by thirds.

Play the E major scale and go up by fifths and then down by fifths.