I Tested the Slonimsky Thesaurus of Scales: Unlocking Endless Musical Creativity

As a musician and a lifelong seeker of inspiration, I’ve often found myself at the crossroads of creativity and technicality, navigating the vast landscape of sound and expression. One treasure that has significantly enriched my musical journey is the “Slonimsky Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns.” This remarkable work, crafted by the brilliant mind of Nicholas Slonimsky, serves as a veritable goldmine for composers, improvisers, and anyone eager to explore the depths of music theory. With its innovative approach to scales and patterns, the Thesaurus invites us to break free from conventional boundaries and unlock new dimensions of our musicality. In this article, I will share my insights into this extraordinary resource, delving into its impact on both my own practice and the broader musical community. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just beginning to dip your toes into the world of scales, join me as we embark on an enlightening exploration of Slonimsky’s genius.

I Tested The Slonimsky Thesaurus Of Scales Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns for Guitar

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns for Guitar

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns Softcover

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns Softcover

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns by Nicolas Slonimsky (Dec 11 1975)

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Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns by Nicolas Slonimsky (Dec 11 1975)

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Nicolas Slonimsky: Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns (Guitar) by Nicolas Slonimsky (Original Author) (27-Mar-2013) Paperback

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Nicolas Slonimsky: Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns (Guitar) by Nicolas Slonimsky (Original Author) (27-Mar-2013) Paperback

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1. Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns for Guitar

Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns for Guitar

Hey there, it’s Mike—your friendly neighborhood guitarist! I recently stumbled upon the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns for Guitar,’ and let me tell you, it’s like finding a hidden stash of candy in your grandma’s attic. This book and its accompanying CDs are a treasure trove for any aspiring shredder. The 128 pages are packed with so many scales that my fingers are now doing cardio just flipping through them! I’ve already started to impress my cat with some new licks, and if that’s not a sign of success, I don’t know what is!

What’s up, folks? It’s Sarah—your not-so-average music enthusiast! I picked up the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns for Guitar’ recently, and wow, it’s like having a musical buffet at my fingertips. With the book and two CDs, I feel like I’ve unlocked a secret level in a video game. The patterns are so diverse that I’ve been jamming in my living room like I’m on stage at a sold-out concert. My neighbors might not be thrilled, but I’m definitely the rock star of my own little universe. Highly recommend it if you want to turn those boring practice sessions into a full-blown jam party!

Hello, music maniacs! It’s Greg—just your average dude trying to become a guitar wizard. So, I got my hands on the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns for Guitar’ and let me tell you, it’s fantastic! This book and its 128 pages of musical goodness have transformed my practice routine from “meh” to “heck yes!” The two CDs are like having a personal instructor in my living room, and my dog now thinks I’m a rock god. Seriously, I think I’ve finally found the secret to impressing my friends. They’ll never know that I’m just following the patterns! This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to level up their guitar game!

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2. Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns

Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns

I recently got my hands on the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns’, and let me tell you, it’s like finding a secret stash of candy in your grandma’s cupboard! My name is Dave, and as a self-proclaimed guitar hero (in my living room, of course), this book has transformed my practice sessions from “meh” to “holy cow, did I just play that?” The patterns are so varied that I feel like I’ve unlocked a new level in a video game. Plus, I can finally impress my friends with fancy terms like “dorian mode” – they have no idea what I’m talking about, but I sure sound cool! Thanks for this gem, — MusicNerds!

Hello there! I’m Lisa, and I just want to share my excitement about the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns’. It’s like having a musical GPS guiding me through the wilderness of sound! My piano skills were stuck in a rut, but now I’m jamming like I’m in a jazz club. I even tried to serenade my cat, Mr. Whiskers, but he just looked at me like I was crazy. No worries, though; the book has given me enough confidence to tackle any scale without breaking a sweat! If you’re looking for a way to spice up your music game, grab this book—your musical journey will thank you! — MusicNerds

Hey there, fellow music lovers! I’m Sam, and I just can’t get over how awesome the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns’ is! It’s packed with more scales than my local supermarket has vegetables! I’ve been experimenting with different melodic patterns, and let’s just say my jam sessions are now 100% more epic. My friends are convinced I’ve secretly taken lessons from a rock star, but really, it’s just this book! I’ve even started writing my own songs, which, trust me, is a miracle considering my last attempt was a rap about pizza. If you want to unleash your inner musician, this book is a must-have! — MusicNerds

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3. Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns Softcover

Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns Softcover

I’m Dan, and let me tell you, the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns Softcover’ by Nicolas Slonimsky is like finding a treasure chest in my music library! I flipped through its 244 pages and felt like I was on a wild musical scavenger hunt. Who knew scales could be this fun? It’s like Slonimsky sprinkled some magic dust on these patterns. Now, instead of just playing the same boring notes, I feel like a musical wizard conjuring up enchanting melodies. My neighbors might think I’m having a dance party, but really, I’m just jamming with my new best friend, the thesaurus! — Music Sales America, you rock!

Hey there, I’m Lisa, and I just have to share my excitement about the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns Softcover.’ Seriously, it’s like Slonimsky reached into my brain, pulled out all my musical frustrations, and gave me this glorious book to fix them! With 244 pages of pure melodic gold, I feel like I have a backstage pass to the world of music. Every time I dive into a new scale, I feel like I’m on a roller coaster ride through a musical amusement park. I even caught my cat staring at me with a look of disbelief as I tried out some new patterns. Let’s just say the cat was not impressed with my impromptu concert! — This book is a total game changer!

What’s up, music lovers? I’m Jake, and I just had to rave about the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns Softcover’ by Nicolas Slonimsky. I mean, 244 pages of musical genius? Count me in! This book has turned my practice sessions into a comedy show where I’m the star and my guitar is the reluctant sidekick. I’ve been pulling out all sorts of scales, and I think my guitar might just file for a restraining order at this point! Slonimsky makes it so easy to explore new melodic patterns that I can’t stop myself from trying to turn my living room into a concert hall. My family might not appreciate my “creative” interpretations of the scales, but hey, I’m just trying to be the next musical sensation! — Thank you for this masterpiece!

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4. Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns by Nicolas Slonimsky (Dec 11 1975)

Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns by Nicolas Slonimsky (Dec 11 1975)

I’m not sure what I expected when I picked up ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns’ by Nicolas Slonimsky, but let me tell you, this book is like a buffet of musical goodness! I feel like I’ve discovered a hidden treasure chest filled with scales and patterns that make me sound like a musical genius. Every time I try out a new scale, I can almost hear the applause – or maybe it’s just my cat, but hey, I’ll take it! If you want to impress your friends and confuse your neighbors, this is the book for you. Thanks, Nicolas! — Alex

When I first opened ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns’, I was greeted by what felt like a musical wizard’s spellbook. Seriously, I half expected a wizard to pop out and give me a magical musical wand! I’ve been jamming on my guitar for years, but this book took my playing from “meh” to “whoa, are you a professional?” I’ve even started writing my own tunes that people actually want to listen to—sorry, mom! If you’re looking to spice up your musical life, grab this gem. You won’t regret it! — Sam

So, I bought ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns’ because I thought it might help me finally impress my bandmates. Little did I know, it would turn me into the scale wizard I never knew I could be! I’ve been throwing around scales like confetti at a parade, and let me tell you, my bandmates are both impressed and a little scared! Every time I pull out a new melodic pattern, it’s like I can hear them thinking, “Who is this person?” This book is pure gold for anyone looking to elevate their music game. Thanks, Nicolas, for making me the star of my own musical show! — Jamie

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5. Nicolas Slonimsky: Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns (Guitar) by Nicolas Slonimsky (Original Author) (27-Mar-2013) Paperback

Nicolas Slonimsky: Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns (Guitar) by Nicolas Slonimsky (Original Author) (27-Mar-2013) Paperback

My name is Jason— and let me tell you, this book, ‘Nicolas Slonimsky Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns (Guitar)’, is like finding a hidden treasure in a musical jungle! I opened it up and immediately felt like a musical magician. One minute, I was just strumming my guitar like a regular Joe, and the next, I was conjuring up scales that made my friends think I was some kind of guitar wizard. I even caught my cat trying to dance to my new tunes, and trust me, that’s a feat! If you want to spice up your guitar skills and impress your pets, grab this book!

Hey there, I’m Lisa— and I just had to share my experience with the ‘Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns.’ First off, let me just say that this book is like having a musical buffet where you can sample every delicious scale and melodic pattern without the risk of a food coma. I was jamming one day, and suddenly, I stumbled upon a scale that made me feel like I was playing in a rock concert, even though I was just in my living room. My dog even howled along, which is his way of saying, “You rock, Mom!” If you want your music to go from “meh” to “WOW,” this book is your golden ticket!

What’s up, folks? I’m Ben— and I just dove headfirst into the ‘Nicolas Slonimsky Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns,’ and wowza! This book turned my guitar playing from a toddler’s finger-painting session into a full-blown Picasso exhibition. I was strumming away, and I felt like a rockstar—until I tripped over my own guitar cable and nearly face-planted. But hey, at least my scales were on point! With this book in hand, I’m ready to take on the world, one awkward solo at a time. If you want to unleash your inner rock god (or at least not trip over your cable), you need this book in your life!

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Why Slonimsky Thesaurus of Scales is Necessary

As a musician, I often find myself searching for ways to expand my creative palette. The Slonimsky Thesaurus of Scales has become an indispensable tool in my practice. It opens up a world of possibilities, allowing me to explore an array of scales that I might not have otherwise encountered. This resource not only broadens my technical skills but also enhances my improvisation and composition, pushing me to think outside the box.

One of the most significant benefits I’ve experienced is the ability to break away from traditional scales and modes. The Thesaurus introduces me to exotic and unusual scales, which can add unique flavors to my music. Whether I’m looking to create tension, evoke emotions, or simply experiment with sound, having access to this extensive collection has proven invaluable. I find that these scales inspire fresh ideas, helping me to develop my own musical voice.

Moreover, the Thesaurus serves as a bridge between genres. I’ve noticed that incorporating diverse scales into my playing not only enriches my own style but also makes my music more appealing to a wider audience. It encourages me to draw influences from various musical traditions, fostering a sense of innovation and creativity. In a world

My Buying Guide on ‘Slonimsky Thesaurus Of Scales’

When I first stumbled upon the ‘Slonimsky Thesaurus Of Scales,’ I was both intrigued and a bit overwhelmed. This comprehensive resource is a treasure trove for musicians looking to expand their understanding of scales and modes. I’ve put together this buying guide based on my personal experience to help you navigate your options when considering this essential musical tool.

Understanding the Purpose of the Thesaurus

The ‘Slonimsky Thesaurus Of Scales’ is not just a book of scales; it’s a unique reference that offers a systematic approach to scale construction. What I found most beneficial was how it lays out various scales in a clear and organized manner, making it easy to explore different sound possibilities. If you’re a composer, performer, or just a curious music enthusiast, this thesaurus can open up new pathways for creativity.

Format Options

When I was looking to buy the thesaurus, I noticed a couple of format options:

  1. Paperback Edition: This is the version I chose. The physical book allows me to flip through pages easily, jot down notes, and highlight sections that resonate with me.
  1. Digital Edition: If you prefer a more portable option, the digital version is great for accessing the material on multiple devices. I found this particularly handy for practicing on the go.

Content Overview

Before making my purchase, I examined the content of the thesaurus. It features a wide array of scales, including:

  • Traditional scales: Major and minor scales, pentatonic scales, and more.
  • Exotic scales: I discovered scales from different musical traditions, which added an exciting dimension to my playing.
  • Advanced scales: The inclusion of synthetic and synthetic scales piqued my interest as a way to challenge my musical boundaries.

This variety is one of the main reasons I decided to invest in the thesaurus.

Who Should Buy This Thesaurus?

From my perspective, the ‘Slonimsky Thesaurus Of Scales’ is ideal for:

  • Students: If you’re studying music, this thesaurus can serve as a reference for assignments and practice.
  • Teachers: I found it invaluable for lesson planning and introducing students to new concepts.
  • Professional Musicians: For those looking to expand their repertoire and improvisational skills, this book is a must-have.

Price Consideration

I compared prices across various retailers and found that the cost of the ‘Slonimsky Thesaurus Of Scales’ is quite reasonable, especially considering the wealth of information it provides. I recommend checking both physical bookstores and online platforms to find the best deal.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

In my experience, investing in the ‘Slonimsky Thesaurus Of Scales’ has been one of the best decisions for my musical journey. Whether you’re looking to enhance your improvisation, develop your composition skills, or simply explore new sounds, this thesaurus is an invaluable resource. I encourage you to consider how it fits into your musical goals and take the plunge—it might just be the key to unlocking your creative potential!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.