Help learning scales ( have link )

[cnl83]

Im trying to learn scales, and I have been reading the tutorials for them. If you goto http://www.cyberfretbass.com/scales/major/page4.php You will see they list the fingering and functions. Im having a hard time understanding what they mean by either. I know which string im soppose to be plucking and which fret, but dont understand what they are trying to say here. Forgive me for being naive, but if someone could expound a little bit, I would really really appreciate it.

[cnl83]

I printed the page and I see now. They are just showing you how many times to pluck on the left, and converting notes to numbers on the right. Correct? Why convert from notes to numbers?

[98dvl]

The left side indicates which finger of your fretting hand goes where on the fretboard.

The right side indicates the scale function of each note (i.e. 1 is the root, 5 is the fifth, 7 is the seventh, etc.)

They have numbers instead of notes because it doesn't matter what major scale you play, the scale function is the same for each fingering pattern (i.e. you can be anywhere on the fretboard and the same relationship between frets applies - so long as you're in standard tuning!). Keep in mind this example shows the G Major scale, if you place the root of a different scale on any of the red ones (as they have), you can play a different major scale using the same fingerings (hopefully, that makes sense). In other words, if you look at the right side, and replace the fret number 3 with 5 in the first diagram, 5 with 7 in the second diagram, 7 with 9 in the third diagram (and so on), you'll play an A Major scale.

[cnl83]

Thanks for the reply, definitely clarified.