Why I Built This For years I tried to play scales, but nothing clicked until I learned the fretboard. This is number‑based system I created to help me see where everything is located — almost like a schematic or an owner’s manual the guitar should have come with. If it helped me, it might help someone else to learn the fretboard. This is all based on numbers and I am using F# as an example only, this works with all major/minor scales. You can find me on Facebook as Method Man Guitar. Where you will find more help
F♯ Major — Letters & Numbers
1 = F♯
2 = G♯
3 = A♯
4 = B
5 = C♯
6 = D♯
7 = E♯
Modal 3‑Note Patterns •
Ionian: 1 • 2 • 3 •
Dorian: 2 • 3 • 4 •
Phrygian: 3 • 4 • 5 •
Lydian: 4 • 5 • 6 •
Mixolydian: 5 • 6 • 7 •
Aeolian: 6 • 7 • 1 •
Locrian: 7 • 1 • 2
Shape Groups (Only 3 Shapes to Learn)
Ionian • Lydian • Mixolydian = same shape •
Dorian • Aeolian = same shape •
Phrygian • Locrian = same shape
How to Practice This Practice these patterns on the low E string only,
starting on each mode, using only the 3 notes for that mode. Keep in mind which
mode you are playing — Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian, etc. Skip around between
modes but use only the 3‑note fragments until you feel comfortable. You can
even start with F♯ Dorian; or F# Aeolian, then follow the shapes. After you get
the E string and feel good, now I will show you how to move these shapes over
the rest of the fretboard.
Crossing From E to E (3 Possible Frets) There are 3 different frets you can use to cross from
the low E string to the high E string. These frets are on the 2nd degree, 3rd degree, and 6th degree of
the major scale.
2nd Degree (G♯) Numbers across the strings: (2 5 1 4 6 2) Play the shapes going across
on 2.
3rd Degree (A♯) Numbers across the strings: (3 6 2 5 7 3) Play the shapes going from E
to E.
6th Degree (D♯) Numbers across the strings: (6 2 5 1 3 6) Play the shapes going from E
to E.
You should be able to fill in the parts
above the 2nd degree, and now you can play more and study less.