The fretboard position that is used for pattern one will determine the key you are playing in. The first note in the pattern (on the sixth string) will indicate exactly which key the pattern is in. For example, beginning pattern one on the third fret of the sixth string (a G note) means you are playing in the key of G, as in Examples 6 and 7. Beginning pattern one on the fifth fret of the sixth string (an A note) means you are playing in the key of A, as in Example 8.
You will learn more about keys as you work through this book but for now it will be useful to learn the notes on the sixth string.