Originally Posted by: hunter1801I think you might be. I'm not sure if there is a 100% set list of pattern numbers. As far as I know, you can number the different patterns whatever you want. Could be wrong though. I haven't memorized pattern numbers, only their shapes which is the main concept.
http://www.freeguitarcourse.com/images/fivemajpat.jpg

Positions are different. 5th position is ALWAYS and ONLY at the 5th fret. They are named because of the fret that you start on. You can compare it to the word "sections" for sections of the fretboard.

http://www.freewebs.com/guitarlincs//chords%20and%20diagrams/Notes%20in%20First%20Position.jpg

You can't necessarily remember scale patterns through positions though. The patterns themselves are the same, but can be moved around the fretboard. For example A certain "pattern" for a C scale can be played lets say starting at the 5th fret. That same exact PATTERN (order of notes and the shape you play them in) can be played somewhere else, but it will no longer be C, it would be whatever note you start on. This is what I think is getting you confused. You can use the same exact patter (for example pattern 1) for ANY SCALE. Since all scales are in different places though, pattern 1 for one scale is going to be in a different part of the fretboard than it is for another scale.

Positions never change or move. Patterns don't change, but they can be MOVED around to different positions.

Very Very helpful information. Thank you for taking the time to explain it in detail. The diagram links were particularly helpful to me as was your explanation of movable patterns. This is all very interesting to me.