The Scale Shapes

Pattern 1 (CAGED: E shape)

This is the most commonly learnt Major scale pattern. It is

pretty easy to play. You should learn and get really good with
this scale before you start to learn any more. Please.

When you practice make sure you start and end on the lowest
root note (the red one with the R in it) because it will help
you hear the true sound of the scale. When you play, play the
notes in whatever order you like!

Alternatives
None that I know of. This is it.

Pattern 2 (CAGED: D shape)

This is sometimes referred to as the Dorian pattern because

the lowest note is the second scale degree - but you're going
to start on the root note and hear it as the Major scale, aren't
you? :).

3/4 - this note should use the 4th finger when the scale is
descending and the 3rd finger when it is ascending. I believe
this is the best fingering and keeps you hand in the best
position.

Alternatives
The most common alternative is to move the two notes behind
the root (strings 3/4, played with first finger) to strings 5/4
and playing them with the little finger. I don't see this as a bad
way of doing it but this way the third of the chord is closer to
the chord shape (which is how I see scales).
Pattern 3 (CAGED: C shape)

This is sometimes referred to as the Phrygian pattern because

the lowest note is the third scale degree - but you're going to
start on the root note and hear it as the Major scale, aren't
you? :).

Alternatives
None that I know of. This is it.

* MISTAKE on G string, should be Finger 3 not 4. Will get fixed

asap - no matter how many times you check there's always a
mistake or two!! doh.

Pattern 4 (CAGED: A shape)

Don't forget to start on the root note, not the lowest note...

Alternatives
The most common alternative is to move the last note on the
second string (played with 4th finger) to the first string (then
played with 1st finger). I prefer this position because it is very
common to add that note (it is the 4th degree of the scale) to
make a suspended sound and this is the place where you
would add it.
Other alternative is to add a high B note to the top of the
scale, but then it becomes a 3NPS (Notes Per String) scale
which is another system that we are not doing here...
Pattern 5 (CAGED: G shape)

This is sometimes referred to as the Aeolian pattern because

the lowest note is the sixth scale degree - but you're going to
start on the root note and hear it as the Major scale, aren't
you? :).

* - this note should use the 4th finger when the scale is
descending and the 3rd finger when it is ascending. I believe
this is the best fingering and keeps you hand in the best
position.

Alternatives
The most common alternative is to move the note behind the
root (strings 3, played with first finger) to strings 4 and playing
it with the 4th finger. I don't see this as a bad way of doing it
but this way there is a consistent method to fingering the
scales - in relation to the other shapes above.