1) Learn patterns, box scales, blues scales, majors, minors, modes etc. (From pictures)
2)or Learn why the patterns work and when to use them, this is the study of music theroy. Start learning music theroy on the guitar in the key of C.
In fact here's your first lesson plan.
A) What are all of the notes in the key of C?
B) What is an interval?
C) What is the formula for a major scale (intervals)?
D) What interval is flatted to make a minor interval?
E) What note is flatted to make a minor chord?
F) What is the interval spelling for a major chord?
G) What is the relative minor in the key of C?
H) What is another name for Cmajor pentatonic?
I) Why do pentatonic scales work in minor keys?
J) What is the interval spelling for a box pattern?