The two-octave shape from the previous lesson starts on scale degree 1 (the root). But you can start a 3-note-per-string pattern on any of the seven scale degrees. Each starting degree produces a different fret pattern because the half steps in the major scale (between degrees 3-4 and 7-1) land on different strings.
Three String Patterns
Since every string pair has the same 5-semitone relationship in fourths tuning, there are only three possible note spacings per string depending on where the half steps fall:
The Seven Patterns
Select a pattern below to see it on the fretboard. Notice how Pattern 5 (from the 5th degree) has all W-W strings - the half steps fall between strings instead of within them, making it the most uniform pattern.
Pattern 1 (from 1 / C)
C D E | F G A | B C D
String patterns: W W | W W | H W
How the Patterns Connect
The seven patterns tile across the neck like puzzle pieces. Pattern 1 sits at frets 3-7. Pattern 2 picks up at fret 5, overlapping by two frets. Pattern 3 starts at fret 7. Played in sequence, they walk you up the entire neck in scale steps.
The Cycle of 4ths Connection
Since the tuning itself moves in 4ths, playing through 3NPS patterns in order of ascending 4ths (1, 4, 7, 3, 6, 2, 5) traces a diagonal path that naturally cycles through all seven scale degrees. The geometry of the tuning and the geometry of the scale reinforce each other.
Practice
Work through each pattern on strings A-D-G. Play pattern 1 ascending and descending, then pattern 2, and so on. Each pattern has a different feel under the fingers because the half steps land in different places. Once each pattern is comfortable individually, practice connecting them: play pattern 1 ascending, slide into pattern 2, continue through all seven.
Transpose
Shift the root: fret 1 for Bb major, fret 5 for D major, fret 8 for F major. The patterns are identical - only the starting position changes. One set of shapes, all 12 keys.