Scales or Progressions First?

[Capricornius]

I was just wondering, is it better to learn a few scales first before trying to tackle chord progressions? Or maybe the other way around.

I'm trying to teach myself piano so there's no teacher with a syllabus to guide me through my own progression. I'm pretty sure that, anyone who's tried to learn the piano by themselves find themselves at a point where it seems the next thing to learn is a mystery or the same ole practice of certain basics are boring. So I've researched and learned a little about a whole lot. Still kind of hazy about the next step, though.

Basically I've come to the conclusion that I need new things to practice. I figured learning scales or chord progressions should be next since basic chords are now a "little" thing to me. My question is is it better to learn and practice multiple chord progressions now since I've gotten the hang of chords? Or should I jump to scales to practice my fingering?

What's the "best" next step? Help. My mind is stuck.

[Vic Beatz]

scales, scales, and scales

Learn the keys then You can learn about progressions most will come by feel. Like the 1 4 5 or the my favorite 1-6-3-7

[VitaminK]

You have to learn your keys first. It's a fundamental practice in any musical accompaniment (excluding some percussive arts, obviously). Once this has been accomplished and you feel comfortable with running scales and all that jazz, then you can start forming melodies using chord progressions. Adding harmonic touches will come with the feel as well.

If you find that you are comfortable with scale assignments (sharps, flats, all that) then you can make melodic accompaniment to a more effective degree.

[Capricornius]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the responses. I guess scales are next for me. OK, so one more question before I dive into it...

What scales other than the chromatic and pentatonic scales should I invest my time into? What scales do you practice and use?

Sorry if I'm asking alot but, um...that's why I joined this forum. I need answers and direction.

[neverenoughfunk]

scales and chords work hand in hand...

when one talks about scales "modes" should come into the convo...

the relationship between "modes" and "chords" should be learnt together...

basically, playing the chord with your left hand and scales/modes with your right...

this is a good execrise to practice when you are just starting out...

[Capricornius]

scales and chords work hand in hand...

when one talks about scales "modes" should come into the convo...

the relationship between "modes" and "chords" should be learnt together...

basically, playing the chord with your left hand and scales/modes with your right...

this is a good execrise to practice when you are just starting out...

After doing some research, I found exactly what you're talking about. I felt like I found a new religion. I didn't know what a mode was or how people learned or knew so many scales. Now I see they kind of work hand in hand.

Music can be really simple. Sometimes the terminology will throw me off but, when explained right, it's as simple as "do-re-mi".

[Nueve_19]

I suggest you practice the major and minor scales of any keys. It's really easy, just follow the formulas.

Major--- W - W - H - W - W - W - H,
Minor--- W - H - W - W - H - W - W

[Ams]

scales all day every day mo fo