3 New Chords: Complete the CAGED Method Guitar Lesson
3 New Chords: Complete the CAGED Method
Here in lesson 3, Chris teaches the C, G, and D chords. Once you have mastered the chords taught in this lesson and the previous lesson, you will have learned the CAGED method of remembering open chord shapes. Chris provides a new backing track for you to rock out with. Be creative and have fun with this beginner lesson!
Taught by Chris Liepe in Basic Electric Guitar with Chris seriesLength: 12:22Difficulty: 0.5 of 5
- A review of E and A major.
- Learn the G, C, and D chords.
- Play to a click track and a backing track.
Chapter 2: Review
- Make sure you are holding your pick correctly. - Review the E and A major chords.
Chapter 3: The New Chords
G Major
e:3-4
B:0
G:0
D:0
A:2-1
E:3-2
C Major
e:0
B:1-1
G:0
D:2-2
A:3-3
E:X
D Major
e:2-2
B:3-3
G:2-1
D:0
A:X
E:X
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Electric Guitar with Chris
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsChris will guide you through the world of electric guitar in this series.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Your Electric Guitar
Chris Liepe talks about the absolute basics of the guitar, including tuning, the guitar parts, and proper technique.
Length: 23:21 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Playing Your First Chords
Chris Liepe introduces you to your very first 2 chords, E and A. Since this is your first chord lesson, Chris also introduces a backing track for you to slowly play along with. Practicing in this manner...
Length: 28:54 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
3 New Chords: Complete the CAGED Method
Here in lesson 3, Chris teaches the C, G, and D chords. Once you have mastered the chords taught in this lesson and the previous lesson, you will have learned the CAGED method of remembering open chord...
Length: 12:22 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
The Basics to Tablature, Chord Charts, and Musical Notation
Chris is back with his most information packed lesson to date. In this lesson, you will learn how to read tablature, chord charts and musical notation. All of these tools will drastically help you in your...
Length: 25:38 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Introduction to the Concept of Scales
Chris Liepe is back in lesson 5 with an introduction to scales. In this lesson, you will learn how to play up and down simple scale patterns.
Length: 21:07 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Beginner Electric with Chris Liepe: Barre and Minor Chords
In this lesson, Chris introduces minor chords and barre chords.
Length: 25:23 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Strum Patterns and Time Signatues
Chris Liepe lays down some grooves in this lesson! He provides instruction on rhythmic strumming patterns and time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8.
Length: 21:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
All About Intervals
Intervals, Intervals, Intervals! Chris Liepe explains what they are, where they are found, and how to play them in this lesson.
Length: 14:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Intervals Pop Quiz
Sharpen your pencils and grab your guitar. It's pop quiz time. Chris Liepe adds to his beginner lesson series with a quiz on intervals. This is a hands-on lesson that will undoubtedly improve your ears....
Length: 15:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Triads: Everything You Need to Know
Chris Liepe breaks through his 10th lesson with a detailed discussion of triads. Dig in and take these triads for a ride!
Length: 24:14 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal Mini Series
This lesson begins a mini-series on effects pedals. Chris breaks down routing and how effects work with each other.
Length: 8:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Compression
The compression effect pedal is one of the most misunderstood pedals around. Chris Liepe finally sheds some light on the subject. By explaining all the different options and sounds this pedal can create,...
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Gain Stacking with Overdrive and Distortion
Chris Liepe is back with the 3rd installment in his Effects Pedal mini-series. He explains the concept of "gain stacking" by combining an Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
Length: 7:54 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Delay
Chris Liepe adds yet another lesson to his effect pedal-mini series. Here he covers the delay pedal. This effect that operates on the principles of time and rhythm. Use this pedal to add depth to your...
Length: 19:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Chorus
Chris Liepe quickly demonstrates the chorus pedal with some 80's style licks. This pedal can create a deep and rich addition to solos or add the illusion of multiple guitars.
Length: 3:28 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Understanding Key Signatures
Key Signatures! How do they relate to one another? Chris Liepe explains them in lesson 16 of his beginner series. Getting familiar with your key signatures will help pull everything together that has been...
Length: 15:21 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Harmony Basics
Chris Liepe demonstrates how to take a key signature (the set notes within a key) and stack 3rds on top of a root note to form chords. With the help of a modulating backing track, this should be a fun...
Length: 30:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Technique Basics: Alternate Picking
Chris explains and demonstrates the very basics of alternate picking. He also provides simple exercises to develop the technique in your own playing.
Length: 16:03 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Technique Basics: Legato Playing
Chris details and demonstrates the fundamental movements and suggested left hand position for legato playing -- specifically hammer-ons and pull-offs. He also provides exercises for developing the technique.
Length: 16:11 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 20
Technique Basics: Palm Muting
Chris talks about proper palm muting and discusses potential snags when first attempting the technique. He offers a number of exercises and patterns to help palm muting become a part of your rhythm playing.
Length: 9:22 Difficulty: 1.0 FREE
Technique Basics: Hybrid Picking
Hybrid Picking can add a fresh dimension to your chord and rhythm playing. In this lesson, Chris briefly covers how to get started with Hybrid Picking and offers two exercises that you can use to apply...
Length: 6:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 1)
Chris talks about what it means to play in position and teaches three of the five "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 12:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 2)
Chris continues in his teaching of the five basic "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 11:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
About Chris Liepe
View Full Biography
Chris Liepe was born on September 17th, 1981 in Portland OR. His first instrument was piano which he pursued until discovering his love for the electric guitar in high school. He became fans of such groups as Soundgarden, Collective Soul and U2 inspiring him to start singing, songwriting and helping others in their musical endeavors with teaching, co-writing and album production.
Having moved to Colorado with his family, he began gigging, recording and teaching in a number of music stores as well as out of his apartment until deciding to pursue music full time. He moved to Denver, CO to complete a Bachelors in Music Technology and was then hired on by Sweetwater Productions, a division of Sweetwater Sound and one of the largest, most successful recording studios in the Midwest.
Chris spent nearly 4 years at Sweetwater as a producer, recording engineer, studio musician and writer. During this time he had the privilege of working with many artists including Augustana, Landon Pigg, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me. He also wrote for and played on numerous independent albums and hundreds of radio/TV commercials.
Wanting to get back to his favorite State in the world (Colorado) and feeling the urge to 'go freelance', Chris moved to Greeley, CO and opened his own recording and teaching studio. He continues to write and produce music for artists and agencies and is happy to be among the proud JamPlay.com instructors.
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Loving your lessons. My G is kind of a problem. Can I use the third finger instead of the pinky for the first string? Or still for me it feels better if I use the third and the pinky together on the first string, would that be ok, in the long run?
Hello all & Chris, Doesn't look like Chris has been here in awhile. Or maybe replies in private. I don't know... I'm 61 & just picked up a guitar 6 months ago. Some things I learned very quickly. There isn't a great deal regarding guitars, in which there is only one manner. Like fingering method's... I can understand the reasoning behind his wanting folks to learn an E (which also transfers going into an A also), starting with the 2nd finger on the G string as opposed to the 1st... But as he pointed out, there isn't just one method. Which was the way I initially learned. (1st finger on the G)... And how I still do it, even during his lessons... There isn't just one fingering, so I stay with what's comfortable to me. Same with a G chord. I'm used to using my 2nd, 3rd, & pinky on the high E. It's easier for me if I use his fingering pattern, as it's difficult for me to stretch across the entire fret board using finger 4 & pinky. (but I have a 'lazy' pinky & needs to be built up)... Also easier for me to practice going from an Em, using the method I (& what some others have asked about), use. (using your 1st finger in an E)... I am in no way answering for Chris, just know (even in my short 6 months), that learning the guitar is a labor of love & music, not just labor. As for playing a D, I have a friend that has 'sausage' fingers. He stopped by one day & I watched as he went through scales & a couple of songs. I was trying to figure out how he was doing that with his fingers. He couldn't explain. 'Course he's been playing for 20 years... Regardless of how fat or short you think your fingers are, it simply happens with practice... 'Bout a month ago, I was going through a set of chords that I try to do every day. I am still very much in a 'visual' mode. When it comes to independent motion, my fingers need to go through basic at an Army base, with a really tough DI. So I'm doing my chords, when something on TV caught my attention, & a couple minutes later I suddenly realized that my fingers had been working on their own. I got so excited, I almost spilled my beer... 'Course, I haven't been able to do it again (yet), 'cause it's hard trying to pretend that my attention is elsewhere. But I know it will happen eventually... As for playing a D chord, one of those that I figured I never would, I can do it just fine now. Nice clean notes... Many moons ago, I was trying to teach someone to drive a manual 5 speed. Eventually she screamed at me, 'you expect me to use both my feet on 3 different pedals, both my hands, steering & shifting, & watch traffic in front & behind me, all at the same time!'... Uh, well, yea. Never occurred to me that I had been doing all these things for years, & never gave it a 2nd thought. Like playing a guitar, it's because of my inexperience that makes it seem difficult. I ask folks how they fret with one hand, strum with the other, sing & do it all without thinking about it... I'm a little old to expect miracles, but never to old to learn something new. And have it so as it's supposed to be. Music is supposed to be fun. When you forget that, then it becomes work, & can make you feel bad & frustrated 'cause you're not doing it exactly like someone else, or how you think it should be. Make it yours. There are no rules written in cement. You take what Chris & others give you, make it comfortable, what works for you, & enjoy. That's what music is. I'm sure what I've written, probably won't go over well. Lord knows, I am not trying to instruct. That's why I come here. To learn. So apologies to Chris & anyone else... Seems like he hasn't been around for awhile. I hope it means that he's been busy, & nothing bad has happened... Actually, I wanted to ask about his gear. I can see you're playing a Faded Studio. A Pro? Did you pop the covers off the pickups? If you did, the 490/498's aren't in zebra on stock models, are they?... Have a good night all, & again, apologies for any intrusion. (BTW Chris, I've tried several instructors on JP, but I always come back to you... Smile a bit)
Hi, Thanks for being very encouraging. My fingers are adapting well. I have done as you do use what fingers I can.I have just told myself that that is how it's gotta be for now. Transitions much better as well, some are slow some ok. I guess I have left it very late in life to start this, but it is great fun. I also have a private tutor who is very patient, that helps as I give any problems that I am having face to face and we get it sorted. Anyway keep posting re your progress it's interesting for me. I only started in Feb. this year, when I could do absolutely nothing. Now I know all major open chords, couple of intro riffs, now attempting bends( G str 7th fret, then 5th fret then D, 7th fret with bend) Have fun, Glyn.
i've had that happen too... where you feel like your fingers perform better when you're focused on the TV or something. It's like everything you have been working on starts to actually work. I think sometimes we tend to overthink stuff and our muscle memory suffers. When we distract ourselves a little, we give our hands a chance to do their thing. Glad you're enjoying the lessons!
Hello all & Chris, Doesn't look like Chris has been here in awhile. Or maybe replies in private. I don't know... I'm 61 & just picked up a guitar 6 months ago. Some things I learned very quickly. There isn't a great deal regarding guitars, in which there is only one manner. Like fingering method's... I can understand the reasoning behind his wanting folks to learn an E (which also transfers going into an A also), starting with the 2nd finger on the G string as opposed to the 1st... But as he pointed out, there isn't just one method. Which was the way I initially learned. (1st finger on the G)... And how I still do it, even during his lessons... There isn't just one fingering, so I stay with what's comfortable to me. Same with a G chord. I'm used to using my 2nd, 3rd, & pinky on the high E. It's easier for me if I use his fingering pattern, as it's difficult for me to stretch across the entire fret board using finger 4 & pinky. (but I have a 'lazy' pinky & needs to be built up)... Also easier for me to practice going from an Em, using the method I (& what some others have asked about), use. (using your 1st finger in an E)... I am in no way answering for Chris, just know (even in my short 6 months), that learning the guitar is a labor of love & music, not just labor. As for playing a D, I have a friend that has 'sausage' fingers. He stopped by one day & I watched as he went through scales & a couple of songs. I was trying to figure out how he was doing that with his fingers. He couldn't explain. 'Course he's been playing for 20 years... Regardless of how fat or short you think your fingers are, it simply happens with practice... 'Bout a month ago, I was going through a set of chords that I try to do every day. I am still very much in a 'visual' mode. When it comes to independent motion, my fingers need to go through basic at an Army base, with a really tough DI. So I'm doing my chords, when something on TV caught my attention, & a couple minutes later I suddenly realized that my fingers had been working on their own. I got so excited, I almost spilled my beer... 'Course, I haven't been able to do it again (yet), 'cause it's hard trying to pretend that my attention is elsewhere. But I know it will happen eventually... As for playing a D chord, one of those that I figured I never would, I can do it just fine now. Nice clean notes... Many moons ago, I was trying to teach someone to drive a manual 5 speed. Eventually she screamed at me, 'you expect me to use both my feet on 3 different pedals, both my hands, steering & shifting, & watch traffic in front & behind me, all at the same time!'... Uh, well, yea. Never occurred to me that I had been doing all these things for years, & never gave it a 2nd thought. Like playing a guitar, it's because of my inexperience that makes it seem difficult. I ask folks how they fret with one hand, strum with the other, sing & do it all without thinking about it... I'm a little old to expect miracles, but never to old to learn something new. And have it so as it's supposed to be. Music is supposed to be fun. When you forget that, then it becomes work, & can make you feel bad & frustrated 'cause you're not doing it exactly like someone else, or how you think it should be. Make it yours. There are no rules written in cement. You take what Chris & others give you, make it comfortable, what works for you, & enjoy. That's what music is. I'm sure what I've written, probably won't go over well. Lord knows, I am not trying to instruct. That's why I come here. To learn. So apologies to Chris & anyone else... Seems like he hasn't been around for awhile. I hope it means that he's been busy, & nothing bad has happened... Actually, I wanted to ask about his gear. I can see you're playing a Faded Studio. A Pro? Did you pop the covers off the pickups? If you did, the 490/498's aren't in zebra on stock models, are they?... Have a good night all, & again, apologies for any intrusion. (BTW Chris, I've tried several instructors on JP, but I always come back to you... Smile a bit)
forgot to mention the G chord as well, I learned with my first finger on the A string second fret instead of second finger, is it worth switching if I have my mind already programmed a certain way?
Hi Chris, I've been playing on and off for years but I also see you use the second finger on E chord instead of first, it is throwing me off and I can't really switch chords fast enough, I learned with my fist finger, just wondering if I should switch too, in my chord book it shows the first finger which is easiest for me, by the way haven't played in several years. Thanks
Chris, I need some advice please. i am having two problems with my fretting hand (left) I cannot spread, or create a gap more than a few millimetres between my 2nd and 3rd (ring) fingers. Also when trying to form a G chord when I place my pinkie on the first string I am unable to keep my fourth finger in the air, it follows my pinkie down and touches string 2. Can I exercise, in any way to improve these hand difficulties? Regards, Glyn.
OH happy Australia Day everyone , love your lessons Chris
HI chris just picking up my guitar after 20 years or so and noticed that you mostly prefer to use the open cords E and A etc without using the first finger, so I'm a bit confused if i should change my old ways of using the first finger or switch to your method.
man love your lessons Chris. Hope you stay around for awhile. your lessons are very clear and i am getting a'lot out of them. finally picked my guitar back up after a year. I'm staying with it this time
only thing that annoys me, i got sausage fingers so they pretty much covers up everything they shouldn't, trying to play an D chord, need surgery precision to put that down.
ok, I am a caged player now, I got but still a little weak on transitioning but all in all i got this, just think a week ago I didn't even know how to tune my guitar now I'm play CAGED major scales, OK whats next I'm ready for the next lesson, LOL.
glad you're progressing so quickly! Well done!!
Hello, i just started the lessons on jamplay and i was trying to play the G-C-D backing track, is this song in tempo 80 ? The tab says 75 and i'm not very used to play with metronome so i just wanted to make sure. Anyway thank you for all these good lessons !
hey chris great lessons, just a quick question when playing along with the jam track should you always played caged in order or is it ok to try changing through diffeent chord progressions like c, d, a, e as an example
Great teacher. Thanks for taking it slow and explaining it well.
this was a real helpful lesson and a great teacher, he explains things well
I don't know if this the right place to post this comment/question, I've worked on the chords in lesson 2 and 3, with the backing tracks and the chords only with a metronome, some of them come out clean others are muted, what can I do to remedy this problem.
the "chord pushup" method works really well! fret the chord, play each string individually and make sure they ring out, then take your hand off, shake it out, and try again. Repeat on each chord til your hands get a little tired. The strength and accuracy will come with time. Keep it up!
Once again - this is a great beginner lesson. I really feel that I'm making progress. Will definately keep continuing with this series. Layla - for me it's finger positioning and practice. After practicing awhile they chords eventually come out clear.
I like the way your teaching. I love the fact that you start us practicing to jam tracks. Just the way I need to learn. Thanks.
dude your lessons are pretty awesome these are probably the most clear and understandable lessons to me
where is the backtrack? i would like to play along to it!
It's all in the supplemental content section.
Hey Guys! When you get to the "additional notes" section at the end of the video, be sure you are following along with the provided tab. It'll help things make sense as I'm explaining the chord progression. Enjoy!