Two years ago I did a little tutorial on how to map out the major scale in it's three basic fretboard configurations. When I updated it to Hi-Def I went all out! I did both the major scale and the minor scale. Then I showed how to expand the idea to cover the entire fretboard.

The old one with the new & expanded content on the major scale is here:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=453

The brand new one is a companion tutorial that deals with the minor scale:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=887

Be sure to check out the graphic images that will help you visualize the patterns. Watch the vids, look at the notation while you play along and really listen to help train your ears and mind. This will help you integrate your knowledge and skills, your eyes, ears and fingers with your brain.

This is a crucial step in advancing your guitar knowledge because it's possible to play the same note in more than one place on the guitar. Knowing the three basic fretboard shapes a scale can make is invaluable. Once you know these three building block patterns you can mix and match them at will and totally master the fretboard. :)

I hope GT students can use this as a definitive reference source on major and minor scale patterns!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and yours. :)