Question about the Jon Finn book

[Kurisu]

I'm referring to the book " Advanced (http://www.ibreathemusic.com/reviews/article/13)Modern Rock Guitar Improvisation (http://www.ibreathemusic.com/reviews/article/13) " by Jon Finn, and I'm having trouble figuring something very basic out.

How exactly should one go about practicing all these shapes? Just run them up and down until you've memorized that position, and the shift it to another, or make a new pattern out of the boxes and repeat? How is this better than the traditional 5 pent forms? I'm just curious, because I really like the book, and the logic makes sense, I just feel overwhelmed by the possible combinations (and that's just in one key!!).

Maybe a second connected question - how do you escape the scalar sound of running up and down a pent scale? Just do this long enough until you have a map of the shape in your head, and then start jumping around?

Thanks for all the help, I love this forum. :)

[EricV]

Well, I thin Jon´s point was that if you "break up the neck" into small boxes, you can possibly avoid falling into the "scale up and down" kinda rut.
I think the goal is to memorize those patterns, get used to them, and actually try to use them in a musical context ( playing ). Also, try to chain them up in different ways, try to use them to play in different directions ( along the neck in those mini patterns ) etc.
Jon didn´t intend to revolutionize anything, but this "new look on old patterns" might help people to avoid ruts, get out of them, or have an easier time learning patterns and using them
Eric

[Kurisu]

Jon didn´t intend to revolutionize anything, but this "new look on old patterns" might help people to avoid ruts, get out of them, or have an easier time learning patterns and using them
Eric
I do love his book, and his DVD is great - he seems like a great guy. I guess this means I have to build a pattern using his forms and then just practice over it as much as possible? Basically work it into my head until it becomes like "lights on the fretboard" you mentioned in one of you articles? I realize it will take awhile - I'm not looking for a shortcut or anything - I just want to make sure I'm doing it right. :)