Scale Patterns

The scale finder tool list the scale patterns differently than other training materials. For example, Cmaj scale pattern 2 is referenced as pattern 1 in most places, the CAGED E shape. This is very confusing for someone learning guitar.

Originally Posted by: dewey_clantonThe scale finder tool list the scale patterns differently than other training materials. For example, Cmaj scale pattern 2 is referenced as pattern 1 in most places, the CAGED E shape. This is very confusing for someone learning guitar.

Sorry for any confusion or frustration! There is no official standard to the numbering of the patterns. Because the GF2 lessons & the scale finder were done as two separate projects for two different purposes the pattern labels do not match.

The project goal of the Scale Finder was to be a complete reference resource. Whereas, the goal of my GF2 scale tutorials is to teach the basic unit of the diatonic scale.

1. The Scale Finder regards "Pattern 1" as the pattern that places the root note on the low E string & played by the pinky, regardless of any other factor. Then, it covers all the strings & frets with notes from that scale in that position. Likewise for the other patterns: the goal is simply to cover the fretboard with the scale pattern.

2. In GF2, since I am teaching the basic concept of scales on a beginner level, I isolate just one octave of each scale & show a place to play it that relates closely to the basic chord it belongs to. Because you can play the same note in more than one place on the guitar, it was important to show three basic patterns of the major scale isolated in one octave. So, I simply numbered them in conceptual order of teaching.

Any given scale is identified by two pieces of info: it's root note and it scale formula. We start with it's root note, anywhere you can find it on any given instrument.

For example, the C major scale can be played starting on the note C, anywhere you can find it on the guitar. There are lots of places to play the note C on the guitar and, therefore all of them are valid places to start playing the C major scale. Then we follow with the scale formula and get the notes D, E, F, G, A & B. And place them anyway on the guitar you can find them.

Since you can play the same note in more than one place on the guitar it's necessary to get familiar with how visual patterns sound when you play them. Regardless of where you find them on the guitar or how you number them! So, none of the patterns contradict each other. They just overlap or present the same info in a different manner.

I hope that makes sense. Please ask more if necessary & best of success with those scale patterns!