The CAGED System Guitar Lesson

Lesson 5: Intro to the CAGED System

This lesson not only covers the basic "CAGED" forms but also breaks them apart in a way that helps players use these shapes to generate different types of chords and 'mini' positions that are easier to apply in everyday playing. When first learning the neck in this way, it is easy to stop at the "learning the chords" stage. Don't stop here! Use these shapes as a starting point towards more creative chord and lead playing.

The lesson begins with the basic major shapes. Refer to the accompanying TAB to see the full positions charted out in the key of C. Some of these are easier to play than others. As demonstrated in the video, practice playing the entire chord, but also practice playing part of it. You'll find some very useful three string 'mini' chords. I've suggested fingerings in the video, but make sure you experiment with different fingerings depending on how much of the chord you are playing, what your chord progression looks like, and what feels most natural.

Practice moving these basic shapes around to different keys, and learn how you can play basic I-IV-V progressions using neighboring forms.

Next, you want to look at the "chemistry" of each chord. In other words, how is the chord built? Where are the root notes located within the chord? Where are the thirds and fifths? In the basic major positions, that's all we have to worry about note-wise, but learning how the chord is built helps you generate different types of chords by simply moving notes and adjusting your finger position accordingly. It is beneficial to learn chords by studying a chord book or pages of charts, but learning how to figure out new chords based on positions you already know will help you learn how to apply them more appropriately in your playing.

This lesson shows you how to figure out different chord extensions and suspensions, but I have intentionally not tabbed out all the chords that are covered, because the goal is to learn the method of modifying familiar chords for various musical ideas rather than simply sharing a list of chords. Let's look at the chemistry of this "C" form C chord played at the 12th fret:

C Form at the 12th Fret
E_12_
B_13_
G_12_
D_14_
A_15_
E_x_

The root is on the 5th string. The third is on the 4th string, and the fifth is on the 3rd string. There is another root on the 2nd string and another third on the 1st string. When written shorthand, the chemistry of the chord looks like this: R35R3

We know that if a major third is lowered by a half step, it becomes a minor 3rd. So, if we look at the position written above and lower the third that is present on the 4th string and then eliminate the third on the 1st string for ease of playing, we've created a C minor chord based on the 12th fret, C Major "C" form chord. Here's what the chart looks like with some suggested fingerings:

Cm
E_x_
B_13_finger 3
G_12_finger 1
D_13_finger 2
A_15_finger 4
E_x_

You could create a Csus4 chord (a chord with the root, fourth and fifth, but without the third) out of the original position by raising the third on the 4th string one fret. Again, eliminate the third played on the 1st string to make it easier to play.

Csus4
E_x_
B_13_finger 2
G_12_finger 1
D_15_finger 4
A_15_finger 3
E_x_

The video demonstrates various positions for sus2 and sus4 chords as well as some 7th and 9/add9 chords. Here is a list of the chemistry for those chords:

sus2: R25
sus4: R45
maj7: R357
min7: Rb35b7
7: R35b7
add 9: R359

By definition, a "sus4" chord removes the third and replaces it with the fourth. An "add" chord adds a note other than the 7th but retains the whole basic chord (R35). For example, an "add9" chord contains, R359, but a chord that contains R3579 would be called a "major 9" chord.

As you're modifying the 'CAGED' shapes, be conscious of what notes you are changing. Start with the duplicate chord tones as demonstrated in the examples above. If you must remove one of the three fundamental chord tones, (R35) start with the 5th.

Experiment, make music, and have fun!

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