how fast do u play scales

[swagmaster420x]

is it something cray like 180 beats per minute 1 beat= 1 quarter note /w scale in sixteenths

[awesom_o]

When I play scales, I am trying to develop my control over the velocity of the scale.

[timothy42b]

I believe 160 is considered the standard, though some here can play scales much faster.

[awesom_o]

Think of it this way:

Any car can get up to 120mph on a long, straight highway. Even 'slow' cars can do this!

What makes a really fast car is how quickly it accelerates from 0.

[timothy42b]

Well, yeah, but sustained cruising speed is important too.  You should be able to do relaxed steady passage work in the 120 to 160 range. 

[awesom_o]

Practicing my sustained cruising speed would be a waste of valuable gas.

Every time I burn gas, I use it to get some place I want to go.

I don't just cruise on the highway for fun. Gas is too pricey for that these days!

Keep in mind, though, my car is exceptionally powerful and well-maintained.

[swagmaster420x]

 sh e t........... i sound like crap when playing at 160. time 2 work on techniq. my left hand ring finger alwayz presses too hard when my hand is flipping over to the next octave >. <. ive been trying to correct for some time now by practicing very slowly and evenly. does this actually work for breaking habits? like before i tried to break the habit of my pinky spazzing out while other fingers are playing, but it was soooo hard. seems next to impossible to override muscle habits like that z.z. anyone have advice? is it just pure willpower?

[timothy42b]

No.  Slow often doesn't work for habits, sometimes it makes them even more resistant.

You have to isolate the movement and do it fast, then build distance on each side. 

[rmbarbosa]

Perhaps using PS (parallel sets). Its a good way to gain speed namely with scales.