The caged method (when it comes to guitar playing) is actually not a method. It’s more of a label so to speak; and is actually associated to the guitar, to make an emphasis on its five open major chords. These are the C, A, G, E, and D chords (forming the word CAGED in this manner).
Now, the Caged label, which is composed of all five major chords (other than the minor chords like E, A, and D minor), are the only open major chords that can be played in an open position. It also makes out several shapes and patterns from the guitar neck (you’ll also have the option of using other shapes from each letter, as you extend your way up to the guitar neck), most of which materializes from the C, A, G, E, and D chords. Besides these useful information, it’s also good to know that the letters compromising CAGED all have different shapes (shape of a pattern, as well as a shape scale) that stand for each of them.
When it comes to the CAGED label, it’ll also work to your advantage (especially when it comes to any key in the guitar) if you knew all the shapes and patterns involved with all five chords. To put these all to your memory will work wonders. You’ll be able to play just about any key if you really familiarize yourself with all the shapes and patterns used under the CAGED label. Not only will you learn a lot of patterns from the guitar, you can also shift these patterns around without having to worry about what key/s you’re actually on.
To give further details on this subject, you can learn a few more things from having the F key as an example. You should know that by using the F key with another chord, you’ll be able to stretch this out into patterns that can actually be used for making guitar leads. Variations for the F key (or for any key) can also be made useful for things like playing a song, using a second guitar with a guitar clamp. With the F key, you’ll also be able to use and play these in five variations (using each of the five major chords). The first variation for it can be combined with an E shape (at the first fret). The second variation is combined with a D shape (at the third fret). The third variation is combined with a C-shaped (at the fifth fret). The fourth variation is combined with an A shape (at the eight fret). Last but not the least, the fifth variation, which is combined with a G shape (at the tenth fret).
The CAGED label is a very complex thing, and also has a lot of sub categories. But then again, this is really just the first overview of the whole. And to also make things clear, this isn’t actually a method or a system. It’s more of just a labeling pattern, and as a means for memorizing things.
Christy Smith loves playing guitar. To view online guitar lessons the easy way go to TotallyGuitars.com
