Pattern 1 is most commonly the first pattern people learn and it's worth making sure you can make music with this before moving on!
View the full lesson at The Major Scale: Pattern 1 | JustinGuitar
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When I work on this (and other) patterns I like to say to myself 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc as I finger each note. For me it helps to join up the scales with chords with the functions of the notes.
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I get that we start on the root, G (S6F3), but why on the return flight we play that G then go past it to F#, then back to G. why not just stop on the root G again and not go to F#? 
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Because F# is the 7th of the scale and when leaning the scale you always start and end on the root but play to the lowest note in the pattern. Also it works out rhythmically when practicing the pattern all the way up and down.
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Am I correct in that the C Major Scale, Pattern 1, would have its root on the 6th string, 8th fret? Like the below?
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Thanks! I’m asking first to be sure, and the always accurate internet (!) has Position 1 differently depending on who is showing it and I was questioning things. I’m sure it comes down to buying into someone (Justin) and being consistent with it. I’m glad I have it right; I will now move forward.
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It depends on what you mean by position. As I understand it position means where you are on the fretboard. Position does not mean the pattern shape.
So I would say the image you posted is the major scale pattern 1 or the E shaped CAGED pattern in position 7.
It’s position 7 because the 7th fret is where the pattern is closest to the nut. I’m happy to be corrected on that though.
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You’re correct Matt. Long ago Justin chose not to use ‘position’ to describe scale patterns due to their ambiguity in general usage.
Pattern 1 = E-shape
Pattern 2 = D-shape
Pattern 3 = C-shape
Pattern 4 = A-shape
Pattern 5 = G-shape
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Great point! That is probably where the (my) confusion came in. That’s a very nice point; I appreciate you saying that, as hopefully, this is the case. I will pay attention and make sure.
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Awesome. Thanks for backing that point up.
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I have noticed while going through the Practical Music Theory module 3 and cross referencing the scale lessons that there appear in the 2 scale programs; Scale Maestro is one, the other is Scales & Modes. Differences? Recommendation?
Major Scale Maestro 1 is Grade 4
Major Scale Maestro 2 is Grade 5
They are the most recent major scale video lessons on the website and follow the graded structure.
Within the Skills section of the website are some older lessons and course, Major Scale being one. The content is all still good and relevant. They are simply older versions that Justin has decided to continue to make available. You only need the newer versions if coming at it from the start.
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Grazi
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Thanks for this post, I’ve switched over to the Major Scale Maestro 1 course.
Does anyone knows the exersice link that justin recomend in this lesson?
If you mean the Flying Fingers exercise he mentions, I’d guess it’s covered by the exercise called Minimum Movement Exercise - which is what one wants to practice to overcome Flying Fingers!
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