Movable Major Diatonic Scale Pattern Lesson by Teleman40
Here's what is called a movable scale pattern, meaning that you can 
use the same pattern from any starting point on the 6(low E string) 
and you have yourself 12 major diatonic scales in 12 keys. In doing 
so you will start to familarize yourself with the fretboard whether 
you want to or not. At first it is not so important to remember the 
names of all the notes in the pattern BUT you should make a point to 
call out the name of the root note for the scale you are playing. 

This pattern is in 2 octaves which mean from the rootnote you start 
with which in this case is A up to the first A. Then the 2nd A to 
the next A is the second octave.

Time for a pattern.

e|---|---|---|-X-|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|1
B|---|---|---|---|-X-|---|-X-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|2
G|---|---|---|-X-|---|-X-|-X-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|3
D|---|---|---|-X-|---|-X-|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|4
A|---|---|---|-X-|-X-|---|-X-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|5
E|---|---|---|---|-A-|---|-X-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|6
 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  11  12 
Fret Numbers

The scale pattern covers 4 frets so line up your 4 fingers with each 
fret. Start the scale with your 2nd finger. Work with the pattern 
until you have the first octave down pat that is playing it up then 
back down. When you can do this work on the second half and do the 
same then finally play across the 2 octaves and then back down. 

If you start this pattern on the third fret 6th string you are now 
playing a G Major Scale. On the 7th fret a B Major Scale. On the 8th 
fret a C Major Scale. Get the picture. One pattern all these scales.

Practice this pattern everyday but continue to work on other areas 
such as chords, strumming, timing, etc. It is important to practice 
this everyday but don't let it take all your practice time. 

When playing scales I think we all fall into the rut thinking am I 
wasting my time, will