Originally Posted by: RiskyNZI've received two conflicting methods on doing scales and wanted to know which is best.

Method One: Practice really really slowly to get the muscle memory as good as possible

Method Two: Constantly bump up the metronome past your limit and keep reaching for higher speeds.

I suspect a combination of the two is what is actually trying to be conveyed - ie Practice at 50bpm for a session, then practice near limit for a session, then go as high as possible, then back down to near limit. But I dunno, any suggestions?

What matters honestly is that you know how to use the scales. I honestly feel there is too much focus on playing fast, where there should be a good amount of focus on knowing how to use the scales. You want to make music with them, and that is what they are for. I agree; you want to use scale patterns as a means to develop muscle memory, but take it beyond that and allow yourself in your routine to play those scales over progressions and to develop licks to put them into application.

As far as metronome use, that is something we can all always stand to practice more of. You are killing two birds with one stuff by integrating your scale patterns into routine practice along with moving your speed up. But! Don't let this be all your focus on. This is not weight lifting, and at the end of the day you want to MAKE MUSIC!