[Harp-L] Learning scales

[Pierre <slavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

How does one learn scales and at what point can you say you master it and can move on to the next one?

Is there a well known set of exercises that I can do that will lead me to knowing a scale perfectly, or some kind of test?

Does one need to know interval jumps of 1, then 2, then 3 etc. relative to each note?

Having learned a scale should I then learn to insert out of scale notes? Are there exercises for that?

My objective is to be able to improvise fluidly and to learn the note positions inside out. Are there other goals I should be seeking while doing this?

My initial scope is fluency/proficiency or at least competency in blues improvisation (walk before I run), what should I learn? I guess the I, IV and V blues scales, the arpegios for the chords, the myxo mode. Is that it? what else is required?

What about for rock, what scales should I add?

Also when I improvise, sometimes I hit a note which is a dead end, what is that  (&^%&*% note(s), how do I avoid it. Can I learn to avoid it while learning the scales? I assume if I'm in the right tonality, there is no problem, but what if I venture outside to add diversity?

Last question, will this become innate at some point or will I limit my playing to my thinking speed? given time will be able to play what I can hear in my head or does that require other exercises?

Thanks,

Pierre.