Musical scales are a monotonous act that can be taken for granted some times and become boring. Scales are a necessary evil, if you will and if applied properly can be a path to better playing, no matter the instrument. If you can first understand how you will benefit from scales, then you will have more motivation to begin them in earnest.
How Do Scales Help?
No matter what instrument you play, from piano to guitar, you will refine your technique the more you play scales. Scales help you to perform more ambitious pieces. You will understand music theory more when you understand scales, they go hand in hand. The ever changing chords of jazz are very well suited to the use of scales. To be unfamiliar with scales is to not be able to read the road map of music, especially in jazz.
In order for scales to become second nature, it is important to incorporate scales into your daily practice routine. Playing scales helps to warm up your hands and only takes a few minutes per day.
Practice Tips
It is important to start with a scale that is easy for you. Remember to not push too hard at first. A short run, say a triad or even less is a good place to warm up before you move to a full octave or even more. Move your starting point up a half step at a time until you have moved up an octave. Next you can try a different scale and repeat the process.
As you continue with scales practice the music will become part of your finger memory, or vocal memory if you are a singer. As you progress you will be able to play one scale after another as you move up and down. Your technique as you play scales is vitally important. Scales practice is often dreaded and feared by all musicians until you understand what it will do for you.
You are developing good or bad habits as you play scales, so concentrate and play well.