Abstract: A method and system for installing a first course of shakes or shingles on either a wall or a roof of a structure. The shake starter jig comprises an anchor leg with a first end and a second end, a suspension mechanism located adjacent the first end of the anchor leg to facilitate securing the shake starter jig to a desired surface, a ledger shelf supported adjacent the second end of the anchor leg, a ledger support rigidly affixed to a remote end of the ledger shelf, the second end of the anchor leg, the ledger shelf and the ledger support are all sized so as to facilitate receiving and accommodating a ledger board therebetween. The suspension mechanism is located a predefined distance away from the ledger shelf so as to facilitate spacing the ledger shelf a desired distance from a level line.