Jun 213 min read

The CAGED System for Guitar Mastery!

Updated: Jul 7

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:

Play a C major chord using the C shape, then find the same chord using the A, G, E, and D shapes up the neck. This helps visualize the fretboard horizontally.

4 Link Chord Shapes with Scale Shapes:

Practice the major scale shape that corresponds with each chord shape. For instance, play the E shape chord and then the E major scale pattern that fits around that shape.

5 Practice Arpeggios:

Play arpeggios (playing the notes of the chord one by one) for each of the CAGED shapes. This helps in understanding the chord tones within the scale shapes.

6 Chord Progressions Using CAGED Shapes:

Use the CAGED shapes to play common chord progressions (like I-IV-V) in different keys. For example, play a C-F-G progression using different shapes up the neck.

7 Switch Between Shapes Smoothly:

Practice transitioning between different CAGED shapes smoothly and quickly. Start with one shape, then switch to the next shape up the neck.

8 Scale Practice in All Positions:

Play major scales starting from each of the five CAGED shapes. For example, start with the C shape scale at the open position, then move to the A shape scale at the 3rd fret, and so on.

9 Soloing Practice:

Improvise solos using the scale shapes linked to the CAGED chord shapes. This reinforces the connection between chords and scales and helps with melodic playing.

10 Visualize the Fretboard:

Work on visualizing the entire fretboard by seeing how the CAGED shapes link together. Practice identifying the root notes of each chord shape to see how they overlap.

Important Concepts

Root Notes: Understand where the root notes of each chord shape are located. This helps in transposing the shapes to different keys.
Connecting Shapes: The transition between shapes is key. Notice how the end of one shape often leads into the beginning of the next.
Fretboard Mastery: Over time, the goal is to be able to navigate the entire neck effortlessly using these shapes as landmarks.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you will develop a deep understanding of the fretboard, improve your ability to play in any key, and enhance your overall guitar playing skills.

Here are some diagrams to help:

Here you can see the C chord played all up the neck in its five positions, using the CAGED shapes.