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Hi @MMMURRAY , I believe you’re referring to the “octave patterns”, is that correct? Where you go from a note on one string and find the same note (different octave sometimes) on another string? Well, if that’s what you’re asking about, then what I’m going to say will have some relevance.
In FW, Tony has us memorizing the number of frets and number of strings from one note to the next closest same note. For example, let’s say we have a note on the 6th (loE) string and we want to find that same note at the next closest location on the fretboard. FW says we have to go 2 frets toward the body of the guitar and go 2 strings toward the floor [to the 4th (D) string] to find that next closest same note.
To me, that was a lot of memorization learning these “octave patterns” that way, and I struggled with it. Then, one day a fellow TAC member pointed out to me that all you have to do is remember the word “CAGED”! “Really?” I said. “Yes!” he said. And he gave me some examples which I’m happy to share. Let’s say we have a note on the A string. The next closest same note will be on the G string and from there, the next closest same note will be on the E strings (both lo & hi E), and from there on the D string and finally, from there on the B string. You’ll notice that we followed the order of the letters in the word “caged” with the exception of the letter C, we used the B string in it’s place because there is no C string. Other than that, these “octave patterns” follow the spelling of the word “caged” starting at any letter or string (just like the musical alphabet) and continue to the next letter in the word “caged” and you’ll know where the next same note is. Yes, you’ll still have to memorize the number of frets between the notes, but at least you’ll know what string that next closest same note is on.
I hope this explanation can give you some clarity, and some realization that CAGED has more than one use or meaning in music.