Some japanese im working on.

[The Limey]

thanks limey very helpful I notice chris garver doesn't go round corners with scales which is where I seem to have the problems he uses smoke and stuff to cover these areas eliminating the need to try bend scales round a corner,

Yep, the inclusion of some negative space / flames etc would definitely help with your current short fallings however, I think you'll also find that once you get the proportions and anatomy right and the body becomes more fluid from head to tail, the placement of scales will also become easier.