In this lesson, we'll learn Pattern 2 of the Major Scale. As I always say - learning more patterns is not the answer to make music well! So, if you still can't make music out of Pattern 1, you shouldn't try making music with Pattern 2 - it won't make you a better musician.

Your goal is to improve your Re-Active Listening - and the outcome is to help you enjoy making music! Before you start, you should be confident with Pattern 1 of the Major Scale and the tools we already learned.

Pattern 1 vs. Pattern 2

I want you to realize that Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 have the same notes - and that's why it is so important that you've learned Pattern 1 well. They're the same scale, and we'll start - as usual - with G Major. Pattern 2 has two higher notes, taking away two of the lowest notes, including the low root note!

The Root Note in Pattern 2

In Pattern 2, the lowest root is on string 4. As I said before, we'll always start and end playing on the lowest root note. So, in Pattern 2, we'll start and end on string 4.

Many of you might not be so confident with the notes on string 4. Luckily, you can just look back two frets and go down two strings (an octave). You'll see the root note on string 6, which you need to know for your E Shape Barre Chords. I’m assuming you are confident with them - you should be!

Let’s Play!

When learning how to play a scale, use all down picks until you memorize it. It avoids the risk of developing any bad picking habits.

So, we'll start with Finger 2 up on String 4, Fret 5. That's the note G, and we’ll play the G Major Scale.
Notice that Pattern 2 starts the same as Patterns 1, with the fingers 2 and 4 and then 1, 2, and 4 on the next string (string 3). Practice only this section until you memorize it.
Then, we go onto finger numbers 1, 3, and 4 for both the thinnest two strings. It's the same as the middle strings in Pattern 1! Noticing the similarities can help you memorize the patterns. Again, work on only this section until you learn it.
Then, try to descend back to the root note. Slowly. Carefully. Check where needed. The goal is to get it right!
Notice that you now have Finger 1 behind the root note, so the middle strings descending are 421 and 421.
When descending, use Finger 4 on String 5, Fret 7. You’ll then play Fret 5 with Finger 1. Same string, of course. Then, you will have fingers 4, 3, and 1 on the thickest string. Practice this full descending section and memorize it.
Then, try it all again. Start from the lowest root (String 4), go all the way up. Then, turn around and go all the way down. Go back up to the thickest string. Your Finger 1 will be back in String 5, Fret 5.

Meet the Finger Swap!

When we descended, we used Finger 4 on String 5, Fret 7. Now we will use Finger 3 on our way up!

I get that this might seem over-complicated, but it’s for a good reason. For nearly all students I've met, the finger swap is a great tool. It allows the hand to not over-stretch and to stay relaxed.

But the proof is in the pudding - try it and see! :) Play it by using either finger for both directions and observe how it feels. Maybe, one way will feel better than the other for you. And that is ok! As usual, the most important thing here is to get it right.

Practicing Scales: Metronome, Moving Roots…

The same rules I gave you when learning how to practice Pattern 1 apply here. The rules are consistent! :)

Do not attempt to play Pattern 2 with a metronome until you have it consistent and with the correct fingering on your own.
Then, start with one note per click at 70 BPM. Build it up to 120 BPM, then drop back to 60 BPM at two notes per click. See where you can take it!

The shape moves around, but you’ll need to know your notes on String 4 to use it effectively. It sounds like something you should explore, eh? :) Learn all the notes here.