"up" , towards you and forward is reverse...... By "up" I mean pulling straight up on the shift lever, like you were pulling it from the console - straight up while guiding the lever towards you and then forward.

Otherwise, 1-4 is the basic "H" patern....... and yes, it makes a difference if you follow the dots on the speedometer that tell you when to shift at what speeds. Most people think they are winding out the engine when they are not. I think 2nd to 3rd is at 38 mph, etc...