Introduction to Scale Patterns for Singers
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In my years of teaching, I have seen how being unfamiliar with scale and arpeggio patterns can get in the way of making the most of a lesson. They might be intimidating at first, but don’t worry, I’m here to ease the worry and prepare you for what’s to come.
These patterns will feel easy in no time!
Below you’ll find practice recordings of the 3 most commonly used scale patterns for you to listen to right here, or download to your device so you can practice them on-the-go.
Let’s start with this video to see what these patterns are all about.
The 3 Most Used Scale Patterns for voice lessons
What are The scale patterns?
Scale and arpeggio patterns are a specific order of pitches and intervals that form a repeated melodic sequence.
5 Tone - uses the scale degrees 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1. We will use this for your vocal assessment and other exercises.
Octave Repeat - uses the scale degrees 1 - 3 - 5 - 8 - 8 - 8 - 8 - 5 - 3 - 1. This one gets used a lot for a variety of exercises.
Octave and a Half - uses the scale degrees 1 - 3 - 5 - 1 - 3 - 5 - 4 - 2 - 7 - 5 - 4 - 2 - 1. This one is usually the trickiest, but just keep listening and either humming or lip trilling along like I demonstrated in the video. I would not attempt this one with numbers.
Scale Pattern Practice Recordings for Singers
How to use the practice recordings
For each pattern there are two versions, one set for higher voices, and one set for lower voices. Use what feels most comfortable for your voice.
When you practice the patterns, just focus on getting the pitches, so that you’ll be free to explore your voice and technique once you get to your lesson.
As I demonstrate in the video, you can sing along, hum along, use numbers, or even a lip trill while you get familiar with these patterns.
If ever it feels too high or too low, just drop out, no big deal!