That was pretty staightforward, was it not? Now, the fun begins. The concept of scale degrees
and intervals is the key to modes. Very important to know the degree is the place on the scale.
If the scale is A-C-D-E-G as is the A-minor pentatonic, the first degree is A, the second is C, the third is D, the fourth is E, and the fifth is G. When we think of intervals, we have to think in terms of the degree. For example, the interval between the second and third is a whole step -- two frets.
Therefore, if the scale starts on the C, as it does in Mode #2, the next note is two frets up, in other words, the D note ! See the diagram on the right, below. Keep in mind, we are talking about the A minor pentatonic, Mode #2, which starts with the second degree C note, just as the diagram shows.
Notice we have (1) Started the scale with the second degree, which happens to be the C note, and,
we have (2) Located the C fret on the top string, 8th fret. Mode #2 of the A minor pentatonic starts on the C of the top string, which is the eighth fret. Following the intervals, we then know the next note, the third degree D, must be a whole step from the second degree, C.
How easy it is to tie together the two positions we have already studied, Mode #1 and Mode #2 ! It is the secret guitar players use to achieve such speed and variety, to how they are able to run the neck with such seeming ease. From the three to the four is a step. And, from the four to the five, that is, the E to the G, is a step-and-one-half ! QED.