The Segovia Scales: Illustrated with Standard Notation, Tablature, and Fretboard Diagrams

I've been working from the original book of Segovia scales publication for years. The binding was getting worn so I decided to replace it. This book offers a comprehensive breakdown of the scales that makes for easy reading. I especially like the fact that each scale is on a dedicated page and I don't have to flip pages while practicing a scale. The author has also broken down the scales into 8 shapes which make for easier learning. My only complaint is that it would be useful to have the string numbers and fingering also incorporated into the standard notation for those of us who read music, like the original Segovia publication. Otherwise, you have to glance vertically on the page to know the sting numbers and fingerings. But, I was delighted to find this book and a fresh approach to documenting the Segovia scales.

This is a scale study by one of the greatest guitarists ever. It focuses on shifting smoothly and playing across the whole fretboard in all 12 keys. But this format is superior to the original format for most guitarists, because it includes tab and fretboard diagrams with fingering and clearly marked shift points.This little $9 book can do a great deal for your playing if you USE it regularly and actually study it and practice the scales daily. And the best part is that there are only 8 patterns, and several of them are so similar that they feel like extensions of just 3 or 4 patterns. This isn't hard to learn. once you learn the Key of G and the Key of C, the other 10 major scales are very easy to add because they are almost the same as those two.This is stuff is available free in the public domain but usually just in standard notation. This book is inexpensive and very well written, clear and concise, and well illustrated. It's worth the $9. I only wish it was spiral bound - but then it wouldn't be $9 anymore.I recommend taking a single key/scale - and learning it in many forms:- single string scales (root to root) on each string- CAGED forms of the scale (5 patterns), and corresponding chord form- Three Note Per String modal scale forms (7 patterns, one per mode)- Segovia scale - spans across these forms, joining 2-3 octaves of scales up and down the fretboardIf you do this, the Segovia scales which basically use pieces of the CAGED forms and connect them together with shifts, help you see the whole fretboard in that key, as well as relationships between some of the scales.

Learning classical guitar by myself after studying flute I was trying to understand the patterns used by Segovia on his scales. This book explained it clearly.

This makes learning and playing the Segovia scales so much less effort. I noticed that after practicing with this book by the author, I found that playing the original version of the scales, i.e., much easier and my sight reading improved.Additionally the author’s brief introduction is helpful in understanding how Segovia structured the scales - according to the circle of fifths.I highly recommend this book for your practice. It is a good value also.

Book content is useful. Packaging can be improved, book was slightly torned upon arrival.

I'm a new guitar player with a pretty extensive music background, so I'm totally familiar with the theory behind the scales. This comprehensive guide is just what I needed to systematize the scales and begin developing some kinetic memory. The theory is easy and straightforward and clearly laid out. I ordered "Traversing the Fretboard" I was to impressed with the clear thinking in this Segovia Scales book.

I really love this book. It's very simple, just the 12 basic diatonic major and melodic minor scales. What makes it great is that there is one scale per page presented in 3 different formats. I find the fretboard diagrams to be the most helpful. I've been playing through the scales everyday for the past few weeks, it only takes about 15 minutes. I sometimes teach guitar and will recommend this book to all my students.

This book combines traditional note reading on the staff for the two octave scales with tableture, right hand plucking exercises, shifting up the neck of the guitar, and also recognizing which scales use the same finger patterns. I am using it with a HS student who has finished Level 3 of the Hal Leonard/Will Schmid books.

Nice book with an interesting intro. Definitely worth spending time on these scales to improve overall technique. Unfortunately the notation in this book is fairly useless and you’re reliant on TAB or the fretboard diagrams. Would have been nice to see proper notation with Segovia’s fingerings etc. for those can read music. Easily rectified and would make for a more complete piece of work.

Useful learning tool

Great book and easy to use. I wasn’t sure at first but now that I have started it is very helpful.

Like the fact that the methods of using these scales are easy to understand, yet playing the scales requires concentration and care. They aren't easy. Very helpful for an intermediate player wanting to improve.

Many months of regular practice to get all of these under control.Clearly & systematically set up covering all 12 major and minor scales. Diagrams, tab as well as music notation to help with fingering and memorisation.