The Ninja

Gradually increase the subdivision over a scale. You only move forward if you land exactly on beat 1.

10 min

Start
50 BPM
Target
50 BPM
Last time
—

First time here, go for it!

FocusCurrent focus

Define what you want to work on now.

How to play it
Why this exercise

Created by Armando. Forces you to pay attention to the count, instead of just running through the scale on autopilot. Improves your timing, rhythmic control, coordination, and fretboard knowledge, all at once.

  1. Set the metronome to 50 BPM and choose a scale (for example, the minor pentatonic).
  2. Level 1: run the scale up and down with 1 note per beat (quarter notes).
  3. Level 2: 2 notes per beat (eighth notes). Level 3: 3 notes per beat (triplets). Level 4: 4 notes per beat (sixteenth notes).
  4. Ninja Rule: you only move to the next level if you finish the scale and the starting note lands exactly on beat 1 of a 4/4 bar.
  5. If you don't land on beat 1, keep repeating that same subdivision until it lines up. Once you've nailed all 4 levels, add 1 BPM next session.
Today's tip

Start with quarter notes (1 note per beat). Run the full scale up and down.

Guides that use this exercise

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