The CAGED System for Guitar Mastery!
- Sam Goffen
- Jun 21, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 23
The CAGED system is a method for understanding and navigating the guitar fretboard by using five basic open chord shapes: C, A, G, E, and D. These shapes can be moved up and down the neck to form chords in different keys and are closely linked with scale shapes, providing a comprehensive framework for soloing and improvisation.
Here's a detailed explanation of the CAGED system and how to implement it in a practice routine:
How the CAGED System for Guitar Works
1 Chord Shapes and Keys:
C Shape: The open C chord shape.
A Shape: The open A chord shape.
G Shape: The open G chord shape.
E Shape: The open E chord shape.
D Shape: The open D chord shape.
2 Linking Chord Shapes and Scale Shapes:
Each open chord shape corresponds to a specific scale shape. When these chord shapes are moved up the neck, they change keys but retain their relative scale shapes.
For instance, the open C shape chord can be moved up to become a D chord, an E chord, etc., with the corresponding C major scale pattern adjusting accordingly.
3 Moving Shapes on the Fretboard:
The shapes are transposable. For example, moving the C shape up two frets changes it from C major to D major.
The C shape moved up two frets would look like a barred version of the C chord starting at the third fret.
Implementing the CAGED System in a Practice Routine
1 Learn the Five Open Chord Shapes:
Master the basic open chord shapes (C, A, G, E, D) and ensure you can play them cleanly.
2 Move Each Shape Up the Neck:
Practice moving each chord shape up the neck. For example, move the C shape to form D, E, and F chords, using a barre if necessary - it often is:)
3 Connect Chord Shapes:
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