I’m currently learning my diatonic scales in G but I’d like to know what you bluegrass guys use to get around the fretboard. Is there certain patterns that y’all use in the flat picking circles? I played mandolin for a couple of years and there are two scale shapes/patterns that we use a lot to move around the fretboard…I wonder if there’s something similar for guitar! I feel overwhelmed with scales and I really need some guidance on what to concentrate on for lead playing.
As I remember, there is a pattern for getting around the fretboard. If my memory serves me right, it's called the CAGED system. Look it up, read about it and see if that might be what you need.
Try to use the major pentatonic scale with an extra note, the flat 3rd.
Start learning it in open G position, open C, open D.
To move around the fingerboard you should learn the same scale in the CAGED system, focus on the top 3-4 strings
Enjoy the journey
Roberto
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