Originally Posted by: maggior The major scale gets tricky fast since it is a mix of 2 and 3 notes per string.

You can play the major scale and its subsequent modes using 3 note per string patterns where there are three notes for every string. I held off mentioning it, but since this thread is about developing speed, and the three note per string system is often touted as being more efficient and easier to play fast, its probably worth pointing out. I actually like using a blend of both the 2/3 note per string 5 pattern system, and the 3 note per string 7 pattern system.

Keep in mind that the major scale isn't "a mix of 2 and 3 notes per string"... that's just one way of visualizing and playing it on the fretboard. I've read online that some people don't even use patterns at all.. they just know where all the notes are, and play them however they need to in order to produce the music they are trying to create.