CGDAE: Mixed minor and major pentatonics

CGDAE:

Mixed minor and major pentatonics

We realized that single string fingering sequences allow to easly fix in mind any mode (MILLPAD concepts) in any position (MILLPAD modes and CAGED system) and also pentatonic boxes (CGDAE: a different perspective on the pentatonic boxes).

Now we will understand that fingering sequences on the single string are very useful for memorizing any kind of scale, including the two pentatonics mixed toghether.

As we did for MILLPAD modes scales and CGDAE pentatonic in all positions, we can do it for mixed minor/major.

In this case, let's start with the two scales in the "start point" position, corresponding to the "E shape" position (often referred as "box 1"):

Major Pentatonic E shape box fingering:

                 |------------------------
    String 1 (e) |   | R |   | M |   |   |   
    String 2 (B) |   | M |   | M |   |   |   
    String 3 (G) | M |   | M |   |   |   |   
    String 4 (D) | M |   |   | R |   |   |   
    String 5 (A) | M |   |   | M |   |   |   
    String 6 (E) |   | R |   | M |   |   |   
                 |------------------------

Minor Pentatonic E shape box fingering:

                 |------------------------
    String 1 (e) |   | R |   |   | m |   |   
    String 2 (B) |   | m |   |   | m |   |   
    String 3 (G) |   | m |   | m |   |   |   
    String 4 (D) |   | m |   | R |   |   |   
    String 5 (A) |   | m |   | m |   |   |   
    String 6 (E) |   | R |   |   | m |   |   
                 |------------------------

Minor pentatonic intervals: R b3 4 5 b7.

Major pentatonic intervals: R 2 3 5 6.

Major and minor pentatonic mixed, plus b5 "blue note":

                 |------------------------
    String 1 (e) |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   Fingering Type 2 (start point)
    String 2 (B) |   | Mm|   | M | m7|   |   Fingering Type 2
    String 3 (G) | M | m3| M3| m |   |   |   Fingering Type 4 (or 2 + 2, with both 3 and b3)
    String 4 (D) | M | m7|   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 1 (root 2)
    String 5 (A) | M3| m | b5| Mm|   |   |   Fingering Type 4 (or 1 + b5)
    String 6 (E) |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   Fingering Type 2 (start point)
                 |------------------------

We can identify three types of fingering on a single string:

• Type 1 = 3 notes with semitone as first interval = Half-Whole intervals
• Type 2 = 3 notes with semitone as second interval = Whole-Half intervals
• Type 4 = 4 notes with 1 semitones interval = Half-Half-Half intervals

When working out the scales, we may try to play the "Type 4" fingering always using three notes (instead of four) choosing to exclude M3 or m3 or b5 (alternating the options).

Type 2 fingering

  |------------------------
  |   | o |   | o | o |   |
  |------------------------

Type 1 fingering

  |------------------------
  | o | o |   | o |   |   |
  |------------------------

Type 4 fingering

  |------------------------
  | o | o | o | o |   |   |
  |------------------------

In order to be more exhaustive describing each fingering sequence, we can distinguish them as follows:

Fingering r2: this is the type 2 where the first note is the root note, then 2nd and b3rd.

Fingering 1+: this is the type 4 composed by type 1 plus b5 "blue note" after the first half step interval (3rd, 4th, b5 and 5th).

Fingering 1r: this is the type 1 where the last note is the root note (first ones are 6th and b7).

Fingering 4: this is the type 2M + 2m where the "2M" is a whole interval from the major scale and "2m" is a whole interval from the minor (2nd, b3, 3rd, 4th).

Fingering 2: this is the type 2 where the last note is the b7 of the minor scale (5th, 6th, b7).

The fingering sequence from the ROOT note is always: r2 1+ 1r 4 2 r2.

Mixed minor/major pentatonic fingering sequence in the CGDAE system::

  Shape (box):  C  G  D  A  E  C  G  D  A  E 
  Fingering:    1+ 1r 4  2  r2 1+ 1r 4  2  r2
               -------------------------------
  Intervals:    3  6  2  5  R  3  6  2  5  R  
                4  b7 b3       4  b7 b3       
                b5    3  6  2  b5    3  6  2  
                5  R  4  b7 b3 5  R  4  b7 b3 

Mixed minor/major pentatonic scales in all CAGED positions

The fingering sequence from the ROOT note is always: r2 1+ 1r 4 2 r2.

  Fingering: r2 1+ 1r 4  2 r2
             -------------------------------
  Intervals: 1  3  6  2  5  1  
                4  b7 b3       
             2  b5    3  6  2  
             b3 5  1  4  b7 b3 

C shape Mixed minor/major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C  G  D  A  E  C  G  D  A  E 
  Fingering Seq.:   1+ 1r 4  2  r2 1+ 1r 4  2  r2
  Strings:          E  A  D  G  B  e
  Root note string:             ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e) M3| m | b5| Mm|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1+ (with b5)
  String 2 (B)   | R |   | M | m3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type r2 (start point)
  String 3 (G) Mm|   | M | m7|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D) M | m3| M3| m |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 4  (with both 3 and b3)
  String 5 (A) M | m7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1r (root 2)
  String 6 (E) M3| m | b5| Mm|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1+ (with b5)
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note  (E)

A shape Mixed minor/major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C  G  D  A  E  C  G  D  A  E 
  Fingering Seq.:   1+ 1r 4  2  r2 1+ 1r 4  2  r2
  Strings:                   E  A  D  G  B  e
  Root note string:             ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   | M | m3| M3| m |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 4  (with both 3 and b3)
  String 3 (G)   |   | M | m7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1r (root 2)
  String 4 (D)   |   | M3| m | b5| Mm|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1+ (with b5)
  String 5 (A)   |   |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type r2 (start point)
  String 6 (E)   |   |   | Mm|   | M | m7|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note              (G)

G shape Mixed minor/major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C  G  D  A  E  C  G  D  A  E 
  Fingering Seq.:   1+ 1r 4  2  r2 1+ 1r 4  2  r2
  Strings:             E  A  D  G  B  e
  Root note string:             ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   | M | m7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1r (root 2)
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   | M3| m | b5| Mm|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1+ (with b5)
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type r2 (start point)
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   | Mm|   | M | m7|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   | M | m3| M3| m |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 4  (with both 3 and b3)
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   | M | m7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1r (root 2)
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                      (A)

E shape Mixed minor/major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C  G  D  A  E  C  G  D  A  E 
  Fingering Seq.:   1+ 1r 4  2  r2 1+ 1r 4  2  r2
  Strings:                      E  A  D  G  B  e
  Root note string:             ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type r2 (start point)
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Mm|   | M | m7|   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   | M | m3| M3| m |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 4  (with both 3 and b3)
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   | M | m7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1r (root 2)
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   | M3| m | b5| Mm|   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1+ (with b5)
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type r2 (start point)
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                  (C)

D shape Mixed minor/major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C  G  D  A  E  C  G  D  A  E 
  Fingering Seq.:   1+ 1r 4  2  r2 1+ 1r 4  2  r2
  Strings:                E  A  D  G  B  e
  Root note string:             ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | M | m3| M3| m |   |   |   Fingering Type 4  (with both 3 and b3)
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | M | m7|   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 1r (root 2)
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | M3| m | b5| Mm|   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1+ (with b5)
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | M | m3|   |   |   Fingering Type r2 (start point)
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Mm|   | M | m7|   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | M | m3| M3| m |   |   |   Fingering Type 4  (with both 3 and b3)
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                          (D)

CGDAE: a different perspective on the pentatonic boxes

CGDAE:
a different perspective on the pentatonic boxes

We can apply the MILLPAD concepts also to the pentatonic scales, resulting in an easy method to fix in mind the various pentatonic boxes fingering patterns and positions; in this case there are two types of fingering on a single string:

• Type 2 = 2 notes with 2 semitones interval = Whole interval (2nd)
• Type 3 = 2 notes with 3 semitones interval = Half-Whole interval (minor 3rd)

Type 3 fingering

    |------------------------
    |   | o |   |   | o |   |
    |------------------------

Type 2 fingering

    |------------------------
    |   | o |   | o |   |   |
    |------------------------

Type 3 fingering (after Type 2, shifted left)

    |------------------------
    | o |   |   | o |   |   |
    |------------------------

CAGED system

The CAGED positions are based on the shapes of the open-string chords in horizontal sequence on the neck. First you find the C shape, then A shape, and so on with G, E and D shapes.

You may be wondering why CAGED shapes are exactly 5: the answare is that there is one chord shape for the root note on each different guitar string; because we have two E strings (strings 6 and 1), the result is that we can find root notes on 5 different positions:

• Chord Shape C = root note on string 2 (B)
• Chord Shape A = root note on string 5 (A)
• Chord Shape G = root note on string 3 (G)
• Chord Shape E = root note on string 6 (E) and 1 (e)
• Chord Shape D = root note on string 4 (D)

                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 2 (B)   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 5 (A)   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15

As you can see, in this perspective it would be better named BAGED system, but the open strings chord shape with root note on string 2 is the C chord shape and so the name given to the system is CAGED.

CAGED and pentatonic boxes

As you may know, pentatonic fingering boxes correspond to CAGED positions. A lot of music theory texts call them simply "boxes" (box 1, 2, etc.) but I think that it is much better to associate each box with the CAGED chord shape position: doing so you will be less confused in maj/min pentatonic switching, you will understand better the theory behind pentatonic fingering boxes, and (last but not least) you will never get lost on the neck after a couple of box switches.

For example this is the Major Pentatonic E shape box fingering:

                 |------------------------
    String 1 (e) |   | R |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
    String 2 (B) |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
    String 3 (G) | o |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
    String 4 (D) | o |   |   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
    String 5 (A) | o |   |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
    String 6 (E) |   | R |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
                 |------------------------

And this is the Minor Pentatonic E shape box fingering:

                 |------------------------
    String 1 (e) |   | R |   |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 3
    String 2 (B) |   | o |   |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 3
    String 3 (G) |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
    String 4 (D) |   | o |   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
    String 5 (A) |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
    String 6 (E) |   | R |   |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 3
                 |------------------------

Pentatonic fingering patterns

If you imagine a fretboard without strings number limit and tuned in "all fourths tuning" (each string tuned at a fourth interval from the previous one, without the standard tuning "B string exception"), you will see the following patterns repeating for both minor and major pentatonic scales:

               |------------------------
               ... and so on ...
  String High  | o |   |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String       |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   | o |   |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String       |   | o |   |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String       |   |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   |   | o |   |   | o |   Fingering Type 3 (min. start point)
  String       |   |   | o |   |   | o |   Fingering Type 3
  String       |   |   |   | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 2 (maj. start point)
  String       |   |   |   | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 2 
  String Bass  |   |   |   | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 2
               |------------------------

As you can see there is always a “half step DOWN” switching to fingering type 3 from fingering type 2. Keep in mind that in standard tuning you will also find a “half step UP” switching from string 3 (G) to string 2 (B).

Major pentatonic fingering table for the CAGED positions:

  ------|----------------|------
        | E A D G B e    | 
  ------|----------------|------
  Shape | Fingering Seq. | 
  ------|----------------|------
    C   | 3 3 2 2 2 3    | 
    A   | 2 2 3 3 2 2    | 
    G   | 3 2 2 2 3 3    | 
    E   | 2 3 3 2 2 2    | 
    D   | 2 2 2 3 3 2    | 
  ------|----------------|------

The same Major pentatonic fingering table, re-ordered to obtain figering patterns in sequence:

  ------|----------------|------
        | E A D G B e    | 
  ------|----------------|------
  Shape | Fingering Seq. | 
  ------|----------------|------
    C   | 3 3 2 2 2 3    | 
    G   | 3 2 2 2 3 3    | 
    D   | 2 2 2 3 3 2    | 
    A   | 2 2 3 3 2 2    | 
    E   | 2 3 3 2 2 2    | 
  ------|----------------|------

Minor pentatonic fingering table for the CAGED positions:

  ------|----------------|------
        | E A D G B e    | 
  ------|----------------|------
  Shape | Fingering Seq. | 
  ------|----------------|------
    C   | 2 2 2 3 3 2    | 
    A   | 3 3 2 2 2 3    | 
    G   | 2 2 3 3 2 2    | 
    E   | 3 2 2 2 3 3    | 
    D   | 2 3 3 2 2 2    | 
  ------|----------------|------

The same Minor pentatonic fingering table, re-ordered to obtain figering patterns in sequence:

  ------|----------------|------
        | E A D G B e    | 
  ------|----------------|------
  Shape | Fingering Seq. | 
  ------|----------------|------
    C   | 2 2 2 3 3 2    | 
    G   | 2 2 3 3 2 2    | 
    D   | 2 3 3 2 2 2    | 
    A   | 3 3 2 2 2 3    | 
    E   | 3 2 2 2 3 3    | 
  ------|----------------|------

I suppose it's not a coincidence that the "CGDAE" sequence is exactly the ascending circle of fifths sequence.

CGDAE

All the previous tables can be summarized into the following simple chart, that resumes the CGDAE system:

  Min. Pent.  C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering   2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 
  Maj. Pent.  D A E C G D A E C G 

Or if you prefer to keep the same "literal" sequence CGDAE:

Major pentatonic:

  Shape (box):  C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering:    3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2

Minor pentatonic:

  Shape (box):  C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering:    2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3

As you can see, Major pentatonic start with the "33" sequence and Minor pentatonic start with the "222" sequence: very easy to remember.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:

Major pentatonic fingering sequence from the ROOT note is always:

2 3 3 2 2 2.

Minor pentatonic fingering sequence from the ROOT note is always:

3 2 2 2 3 3.

If you can find root notes on the neck using CAGED system, then you will easly rebuild fingering shapes in all positions.

Major Pentatonic scale in all CAGED positions

The fingering sequence from the ROOT note is always: 2 3 3 2 2 2.

Major pentatonic intervals: R 2 3 5 6.

If you imagine a fretboard without strings number limit and tuned in "all fourths tuning" (each string tuned at a fourth interval from the previous one, without the standard tuning "B string exception"), you will see the following patterns repeating for minor pentatonic scales:

               |------------------------
               ... and so on ...
  String High  | 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   |   Fingering Type 3 [3 + 5]
  String       |   | R |   | 2 |   |   |   Fingering Type 2 [R + 2]
  String       |   | 5 |   | 6 |   |   |   Fingering Type 2 [5 + 6]
  String       |   | 2 |   | 3 |   |   |   Fingering Type 2 [2 + 3]
  String       |   | 6 |   |   | R |   |   Fingering Type 3 [6 + R]
  String       |   | 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   Fingering Type 3 [3 + 5]
  String       |   |   | R |   | 2 |   |   Fingering Type 2 [R + 2]
  String       |   |   | 5 |   | 6 |   |   Fingering Type 2 [5 + 6]
  String       |   |   | 2 |   | 3 |   |   Fingering Type 2 [2 + 3]
  String       |   |   | 6 |   |   | R |   Fingering Type 3 [6 + R]
  String       |   |   | 3 |   |   | 5 |   Fingering Type 3 [3 + 5]
  String       |   |   |   | R |   | 2 |   Fingering Type 2 [R + 2] (start point)
  String       |   |   |   | 5 |   | 6 |   Fingering Type 2 [5 + 6]
  String Bass  |   |   |   | 2 |   | 3 |   Fingering Type 2 [2 + 3]
               |------------------------

Major pentatonic fingering intervals:

  Fingering:  2   3   3   2   2   2
  Intervals:  R   3   6   2   5   R
              2   5   R   3   6   2

Major pentatonic fingering sequence:

  Shape (box):  C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering:    3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2

C shape Major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e) 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 2 (B)   | R |   | 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G) 5 |   | 6 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D) 2 |   | 3 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A) 6 |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 6 (E) 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note  (E)

A shape Major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2
  Strings:                E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   | 5 |   | 6 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   | 2 |   | 3 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G)   |   | 6 |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 4 (D)   |   | 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 5 (A)   |   |   | R |   | 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   |   |   | 5 |   | 6 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note              (G)

G shape Major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2
  Strings:            E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   | 6 |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   | 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   | R |   | 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   | 5 |   | 6 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   | 2 |   | 3 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   | 6 |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                      (A)

E shape Major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2
  Strings:                  E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 5 |   | 6 |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 2 |   | 3 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 6 |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                  (C)

D shape Major C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2
  Strings:              E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 2 |   | 3 |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 6 |   |   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 3 |   |   | 5 |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | 2 |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 5 |   | 6 |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 2 |   | 3 |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                          (D)

Minor Pentatonic scale in all CAGED positions

The fingering sequence from the ROOT note is always: 3 2 2 2 3 3.

Minor pentatonic intervals: R b3 4 5 b7.

If you imagine a fretboard without strings number limit and tuned in "all fourths tuning" (each string tuned at a fourth interval from the previous one, without the standard tuning "B string exception"), you will see the following patterns repeating for minor pentatonic scales:

               |------------------------
               ... and so on ...
  String High  | 5 |   |   | b7|   |   |   Fingering Type 3 [5  + b7]
  String       |   | b3|   | 4 |   |   |   Fingering Type 2 [b3 +  4]
  String       |   | b7|   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 2 [b7 +  R]
  String       |   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   |   Fingering Type 2 [4  +  5]
  String       |   | R |   |   | b3|   |   Fingering Type 3 [R  + b3]
  String       |   | 5 |   |   | b7|   |   Fingering Type 3 [5  + b7]
  String       |   |   | b3|   | 4 |   |   Fingering Type 2 [b3 +  4]
  String       |   |   | b7|   | R |   |   Fingering Type 2 [b7 +  R]
  String       |   |   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   Fingering Type 2 [4  +  5]
  String       |   |   | R |   |   | b3|   Fingering Type 3 [R  + b3] (start point)
  String       |   |   | 5 |   |   | b7|   Fingering Type 3 [5  + b7]
  String       |   |   |   | b3|   | 4 |   Fingering Type 2 [b3 +  4]
  String       |   |   |   | b7|   | R |   Fingering Type 2 [b7 +  R]
  String Bass  |   |   |   | 4 |   | 5 |   Fingering Type 2 [4  +  5]
               |------------------------

Minor pentatonic fingering intervals:

  Fingering:  3   2   2   2   3   3
  Intervals:  R   4   b7  b3  5   R
              b3  5   R   4   b7  b3

Minor pentatonic fingering sequence:

  Shape (box):  C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering:    2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3

C shape Minor C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E
  Fingering Seq.:   2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   | R |   |   | b3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 3 (G) 5 |   |   | b7|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 4 (D)   | b3|   | 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A)   | b7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note      (F)

A shape Minor C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3
  Strings:                E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   | 5 |   |   | b7|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   | B3|   | 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G)   |   |   | b7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D)   |   |   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A)   |   |   | R |   |   | b3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 6 (E)   |   |   | 5 |   |   | b7|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note              (G)

G shape Minor C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3
  Strings:            E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   | b7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   | b3|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   | 5 |   |   | b7|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   | b3|   | 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   | b7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                          (Bb)

E shape Minor C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3
  Strings:                  E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   | b3|   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 5 |   |   | b7|   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | b3|   | 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | b7|   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   | b3|   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 3
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                  (C)

D shape Minor C pentatonic

  Shapes:           C G D A E C G D A E 
  Fingering Seq.:   2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3
  Strings:              E A D G B e
  Root note string:         ^
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | b3|   | 4 |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | b7|   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 4 |   | 5 |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   | b3|   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | 5 |   |   | b7|   |   |   Fingering Type 3
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | b3|   | 4 |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                              (Eb)

MILLPAD guitar modes fingering and CAGED system

MILLPAD System

MILLPAD guitar modes fingering and CAGED system

We already described the MILLPAD table and the MILLPAD fingering shapes with root note on string 6.

Using MILLPAD table you can also easly find all the CAGED position major scales horizontally on the neck.

CAGED system

The CAGED positions are based on the shapes of the open-string chords in horizontal sequence on the neck. First you find the C shape, then A shape, and so on with G, E and D shapes.

You may be wondering why CAGED shapes are exactly 5: the answare is that there is one chord shape for the root note on each different guitar string; because we have two E strings (strings 6 and 1), the result is that we can find root notes on 5 different positions:

• Chord Shape C = root note on string 2 (B)
• Chord Shape A = root note on string 5 (A)
• Chord Shape G = root note on string 3 (G)
• Chord Shape E = root note on string 6 (E) and 1 (e)
• Chord Shape D = root note on string 4 (D)

                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 2 (B)   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 5 (A)   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15

As you can see, in this perspective it would be better named BAGED system, but the open strings chord shape with root note on string 2 is the C chord shape and so the name given to the system is CAGED.

Ionian scale in all CAGED positions

                                Ionian
                                  ^
  Root notes:     G C F B E A D G C F B E A D
  --------------------------------^----------
  Modes:          M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.: 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 2
  --------------------------------^----------  | Mode fingering (start note on string 6)
  C shape strings:        E A D G B e          | Phrygian   (E)
  A shape strings:              E A D G B e    | Mixolydian (G) 
  G shape strings:          E A D G B e        | Aeolian    (A)
  E shape strings:                E A D G B e  | Ionian     (C)
  D shape strings:            E A D G B e      | Dorian     (D)
  --------------------------------^----------  |
  
  Shapes:        C A G E D
  Modes:         P M A I D
  Start str. 6:  E G A C D

C shape = Phrygian (E)

  Mode:     M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   1 2 2 0 0 0
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 2 (B)   | R |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 3 (G) o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 4 (D) o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A) o |   | o | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E) o | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note  (E)

A shape = Mixolydian (G)

  Mode:             M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   0 0 0 1 1 2
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   | o | o |   | o |   |   |   |   | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   | o | R |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 4 (D)   |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   | R |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 5 (A)   |   |   | R |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 6 (E)   |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note              (G)

G shape = Aeolian (A)

  Mode:   M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   2 2 0 0 0 1
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o | R |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   | R |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o | R |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                      (A)

E shape = Ionian (C)

  Mode:           M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   0 0 1 1 2 2
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o | R |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o | o |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o | R |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | o |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                  (C)

D shape = Dorian (D)

                   C       A       G           E       D           C
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  String 1 (e)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 1
  String 2 (B)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o | R |   | o |   Fingering Type 1
  String 3 (G)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 4 (D)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | R |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 5 (A)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 6 (E)   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
              ---|------------------------------------------------------------
  Fret                     3       5       7       9           12         15
  Start note                                          (D)

E shape = Ionian (C) and A shape = Mixolydian (G) are enough to cover almost all the neck.

MILLPAD Guitar Modes Scales with root note on string 6

MILLPAD System
Guitar Modes Scales
with root note on string 6

Using the MILLPAD table we can easly rebuild the fingering shapes for all modes. Let's build modes with root note on string 6.

MILLPAD Table:

  Modes:          M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.: 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 2

Mixolydian

  Mode:             M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   0 0 0 1 1 2
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
               |----------------------------
  String 1 (e) |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B) |   |   | o | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 3 (G) |   | o | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 5 (D) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 5 (A) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 6 (E) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
               |----------------------------

Ionian

  Mode:           M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   0 0 1 1 2 2
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
               |----------------------------
  String 1 (e) |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B) |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G) |   | o | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 4 (D) |   | o | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 5 (A) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 6 (E) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
               |----------------------------

Lydian

  Mode:         M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   0 1 1 2 2 0
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
               |----------------------------
  String 6 (E) |   |   | o |   | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 0
  String 2 (B) |   |   | o |   | o | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G) |   | o |   | o | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D) |   | o | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 5 (A) |   | o | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 6 (E) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
               |----------------------------

Locrian

  Mode:       M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   1 1 2 2 0 0
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
               |----------------------------
  String 1 (e) |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 2 (B) |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 3 (G) | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 4 (D) | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A) | o | o |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 6 (E) | o | o |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
               |----------------------------

Phrygian

  Mode:     M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   1 2 2 0 0 0
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
               |----------------------------
  String 1 (e) |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 2 (B) |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 3 (G) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 4 (D) | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 5 (A) | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E) | o | o |   | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 1
               |----------------------------

Aeolian

  Mode:   M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   2 2 0 0 0 1
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
               |----------------------------
  String 1 (e) |   |   | o | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 2 (B) |   | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 3 (G) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 4 (D) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 5 (A) | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String 6 (E) | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
               |----------------------------

Dorian

  Mode: M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.:   2 0 0 0 1 1
  Strings:          E A D G B e
  
               |----------------------------
  String 1 (e) |   |   | o | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 2 (B) |   |   | o | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 3 (G) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 4 (D) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 5 (A) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 6 (E) | o |   | o | o |   |   |   |   Fingering Type 2
               |---------------------------- 

Some more use of MILLPAD System:

MILLPAD modes and CAGED system

MILLPAD Guitar Modes Scales Fingering

MILLPAD System

Guitar Modes Scales Fingering

---

Author: Fausto Marzoli

Date: 2021-06-28

Studying modes for guitar I tried to find out an easy method to fix in mind the various fingering patterns, and I came out with the "MILLPAD" idea here described; the idea is original by me, but I suppose that probably someone else used this concept before. 

Some more use of MILLPAD System:

Guitar Modes Scales with root note on string 6

 

MILLPAD modes and CAGED system

Spread Fingering Shape

First of all, this MILLPAD method is based on the so-called "Spread Fingering Shape" for guitar. Using the "spread fingering shape" (in italian: "diteggiatura lata") on a single string, we always find three notes and we use only three different types of fingering:

• Type 0 = 3 notes with no semitones = Whole-Whole intervals
• Type 1 = 3 notes with semitone as first interval = Half-Whole intervals
• Type 2 = 3 notes with semitone as second interval = Whole-Half intervals

Type 0 fingering

  |------------------------
  | o |   | o |   | o |   |
  |------------------------

Type 1 fingering

  |------------------------
  |   | o | o |   | o |   |
  |------------------------

Type 2 fingering

  |------------------------
  |   | o |   | o | o |   |
  |------------------------

Type 0 fingering (after type 2)

  |------------------------
  |   | o |   | o |   | o |
  |------------------------

For example, C ionian scale at fret 8:

               |------------------------
  String 1 (e) |   |   | o |   | o | o |   Fingering Type 2
  String 2 (B) |   |   | o |   | o | C |   Fingering Type 2
  String 3 (G) |   | o | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 4 (D) |   | o | C |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String 5 (A) | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String 6 (E) | C |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
               |------------------------
  Fret           8               12

Keep in mind that when you switch from string 3 (G) to string 2 (B) you must shift right (up the neck) one semitone (half step), because of the guitar standard tuning peculiarity (unless you adopt "the all fourths tuning" for guitar like some jazz player does or like bass players).

Fingering Types Sequences

As you can see from the previous table, ionian scale fingering types sequence from string 6 to string 1 is: 0 0 1 1 2 2.

If you write down the fingering types sequence for each mode, you will end up with a table like this:

  ------------|----------------|------
              | E A D G B e    | 
  ------------|----------------|------
     Mode     | Fingering Seq. | Carry
  ------------|----------------|------
  Ionian      | 0 0 1 1 2 2    | 0
  Dorian      | 2 0 0 0 1 1    | 2
  Phrigian    | 1 2 2 0 0 0    | 1
  Lydian      | 0 1 1 2 2 0    | 0
  Mixolydian  | 0 0 0 1 1 2    | 2
  Aeolian     | 2 2 0 0 0 1    | 1
  Locrian     | 1 1 2 2 0 0    | 0
  ------------|----------------|------

Because modes are 7 and guitar strings are 6, there is always a "shift carry" fingering not available on the guitar neck (that would be available if you had 7 strings guitar). If you look at this table with more attention, you will note that there is ONLY ONE fingering sequence (that is 0 0 0 1 1 2 2), left-shifted depending on the mode you select; moreover, the left shifting has a rule: there is one single left shift for each descending circle of fifths step (that is: intervals of fourth).

In order to better understand this rule, let's start from the Mixolydian (G) mode that has the most ordered fingering sequence 0 0 0 1 1 2 (2): the next descending step in the circle of fifths after Mixolydian (G) is Ionian (C), and the ionian fingering sequence is 0 0 1 1 2 2 (0); as you can see, this sequence corresponds to the Mixolydian sequence shifted left by one step. Here is the same table, with modes ordered in circle of fifths descending steps:

  ------------|----------------|------
              | E A D G B e    | 
  ------------|----------------|------
     Mode     | Fingering Seq. | Carry
  ------------|----------------|------
  Mixolydian  | 0 0 0 1 1 2    | 2
  Ionian      | 0 0 1 1 2 2    | 0
  Lydian      | 0 1 1 2 2 0    | 0
  Locrian     | 1 1 2 2 0 0    | 0
  Phrigian    | 1 2 2 0 0 0    | 1
  Aeolian     | 2 2 0 0 0 1    | 1
  Dorian      | 2 0 0 0 1 1    | 2
  ------------|----------------|------

If you imagine a fretboard without strings number limit and tuned in "all fourths tuning" (each string tuned at a fourth interval from the previous one, without the "B string exception" as in standard tuning), you will see the following patterns repeating:

               |------------------------
               ... and so on ...
  String High  |   |   | o |   | o | o |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   |   | o |   | o | o |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   |   | o | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 1
  String       |   |   | o | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 1
  String       |   | o |   | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 0
  String       |   | o |   | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 0
  String       |   | o |   | o |   | o |   Fingering Type 0
  String       |   | o |   | o | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   | o |   | o | o |   |   Fingering Type 2
  String       |   | o | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String       |   | o | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 1
  String       | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String       | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
  String Bass  | o |   | o |   | o |   |   Fingering Type 0
               |------------------------

As you can see there is always a “half step up” switching to fingering type 1 from fingering type 0. Keep in mind that in standard tuning you will find a “half step up” also switching from string 3 (G) to string 2 (B).

MILLPAD

Doing the "left shifting" with all the modes in the descending circle of fifths order ends up with the following table, that resumes the MILLPAD method:

  Modes:          M I L L P A D M I L L P A D
  Fingering Seq.: 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 2

Modes in this table are indicated on the first line with the starting letter in the sequence of the descending circle of fifths: Mixolydian, Ionian, Lydian, Locrian, Phrygian, Aeolian, Dorian. As you can see, this sequence makes the word "M I L L P A D" and you can easly fix it in mind with the corresponding sequence 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 (expecialy if you associate "MILL"="0001" and "PAD"="122"). You must start reading the fingering types sequence at the mode corresponding letter, and follow right for the 6 guitar strings.

Some examples:

• Starting reading at M = Mixolidian, you find that the fingering sequence is: 0 0 0 1 1 2.
• If you start reading at P = Phrygian, fingering sequence is: 1 2 2 0 0 0.
• If you start reading at D = Dorian, fingering sequence is: 2 0 0 0 1 1.
• If you start reading at L = Lydian, fingering sequence is: 0 1 1 2 2 0.

Fixing in mind this simple table, you can easly find the fingering sequence of every mode.

Root notes

This method is valid for root notes on any string, and it's especially useful with root notes on string 6 and string 5.

If you start with root note on string 6 with a mode, you will also notice that you can find the following MILLPAD mode at the same position starting on string 5. For example, Mixolydian mode with root note on string 6 (sequence 0 0 0 1 1 2) has the Ionian mode at the same position on string 5 (0 0 1 1 2 2).

I did not invented the wheel

Later researches on the internet gave me some few info that a similar method is sometimes used by bass players (I found some reference to "Anthony Wellington's MILLPAD approach to modes"), but the documentation about it is very few and somewhat confusing. I think that the concept is the same, anyway. 

 

Some more use of MILLPAD System:

Guitar Modes Scales with root note on string 6

 

MILLPAD modes and CAGED system