So what have we achieved here?
Well, basically we've mapped out the entire key of G Major over the majority of the fretboard using just 3 different fingerings. This gives us a strategy for learning major scales and their modes in all 12 keys which is easily digestible as opposed to those horrible diagrams with dots all over the fretboard which you're supposed to somehow learn! Once you learn to connect these patterns and become comfortable with them you'll find the fretboard much easier to navigate.
Spend some time memorizing which fingering each mode starts on and then the rest of the pattern will fall into place by itself. Essentially all you must remember at first is where in the sequence of fingerings each mode starts.
Here's a little summary to help you out. Sticking this on the wall next to your practice area is probably a good idea!
Major Scale - Starts on the 2nd fingering no. 1
Dorian Scale - Starts on the 2nd fingering no. 3
Phrygian Scale - Starts on the 2nd fingering no. 2
Lydian Scale - Starts on the 3rd fingering no. 1
Mixolydian Scale - Starts on the 1st fingering no. 1
Aeolian Scale - Starts on the 1st fingering no. 3
Locrian Scale - Starts on the 1st fingering no. 2
This may seem like a lot of information at first but it will become second nature and instantly accessible to you with consistent practice.
I must note at this point that this is only one strategy for learning scales on the fretboard. People who are the most fluid on their instrument will very rarely rely on just one strategy. There are many ways to understand and learn the instrument and you should study as many as possible to achieve your goals.
Good luck and let me know how you get on in the forums!
See you in the next tutorial!
Tom