Hi all. I'm a rookie to guitar and playing music in general. About 6 months ago I bought a new electric guitar (Mexican Strat if it's of any concern), and have been teaching myself via YouTube and a couple books I bought from Amazon (Fretboard Theory and Monster Scales and Modes). I've been practicing scales almost exclusively (Major scale and Minor Pentatonic) every day. I'm really trying to learn the the entire CAGED system. I have a few questions:

1. Why do some people teach a different Pattern #2 (G major scale) than others? Pebber teaches Pattern #2 beginning on fret #2 or #3? (same as Pattern #1?), where some sources (take Fretboard Logic and Monster Scales for example) teach it beginning on fret#5... and they are completely different patterns... Is one correct and another incorrect? One better than another?

2. How do I name a major scale? In other words, Once I know the 5 patterns (which I thought I did), How do I know where to start, and what to name it? Not starting on the root throws me off I think, and I'm trying to form a connection between the patterns and notes.

3. I'm very interested in theory. Is there a book you might recommend that is tailored to beginning guitar players?

I've been following Pebber's You Tube videos for almost the entire 6 months I have been playing. I'm sure I've watched well over 100 hours...I love the no B.S. attitude and understand that it takes a ton of time and practice to get good. I'm 38, single, and have no kids, so time to practice is pretty much all I have.

I love music and I always have. For the past decade or so, I have really been in to new school reggae (Slightly Stoopid, John Brown's Body, and Stick Figure to name a few favorites). I'm also a huge fan of Phish, Rush, Floyd, Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Satriani, Johnson,... But mostly interested in reggae these days. Any advice on where to go and what I should learn is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read my post, happy to be a part of the forum!