Have you checked out the 'need help with scales' sticky thread? I posted this video which shows the 3 note per string method of scales, or MODAL PATTERNS. Instead of playing on the same note as this dude does, it's good to play these positions up the neck on the same string, the E string, to show how relevant they are to the scale. If you play a scale of say G, on the E string, then the first position he mentions is the from the root note, the first note the G, then the second position, the Dorian position, starts on the second note of the G scale which is A. To hear the scale if you go wrong, start the scale from the root note (G) then play the scale up the E string until you get to the Modal position you want to play and play this pattern.
DO NOT PANIC! Do not rush or think you'll never get it. Learning modes is very confusing, remember you need to learn modal patterns first before you need to learn playing in modes (phrygian or mixolydian for example), these patterns are simply the major scale played up the neck. I learnt and relearnt modes around about 100 times until things clicked, I hope me explaining this helps. But do go through the need help with scales thread again, you get it all if you keep going. I think I'll do a video series soon, I think it's needed and I think I could explain things in half the time than most of the confusing videos on YouTube!
Then to play through scales, learn the aeolian method where you never use you middle finger, you will be playing in any mode, any key, any chord progression in no time.
Here's that method as posted before, go through it several times and then the modal positions and this aeolian way of playing through scales will merge together. Also figure out major and minor scale patterns visually on the fretboard, a minor scale goes into a major scale up the fretboard, you'll see these patterns if you keep looking. Good luck and post how you're doing in 6 months!
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