Unlock the fretboard and take your playing to the next level by mastering the CAGED system
The CAGED system is like a secret weapon for (bass)guitar players. It’s one of those tools that, once you get a handle on it, opens up the fretboard in a way that makes everything just click.
Whether you’re a beginner trying to make sense of the guitar or a seasoned player looking to sharpen your skills, the CAGED system is something you’ll want in your arsenal. Let’s break it down, get into how it works, and talk about how you can start using it to take your playing to the next level.
So, what is the CAGED system? At its heart, it’s based on these five basic chord shapes:
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You probably learned these shapes when you first picked up the guitar, strumming away on open chords. But here’s the thing — those shapes are more than just simple chords. They’re the keys to unlocking the entire fretboard. Each of these chord shapes can be moved up and down the neck, and as you do that, you’re essentially covering every possible voicing of that chord across the fretboard.
The real magic of the CAGED system comes when you start connecting these shapes. Imagine the fretboard as a puzzle, and each chord shape is a piece that fits together with the others.
When you link these shapes, you’re not just seeing isolated chords—you’re seeing how the whole neck works together. This makes it a lot easier to find your way around the guitar, especially when you’re improvising or trying to come up with new chord progressions.
Let's take a look at what this would look like for the C chord down the entire fretboard. Pay special attention to the fret indexes to see where we are on the neck:
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Once you’ve got these positions down, start practicing them as moveable shapes. For example, take that C major shape and move it up two frets—now you’ve got a D major chord, using the same C shape.
Do this with all five shapes, and you’ll begin to see how they cover the entire fretboard.
Another way to integrate the CAGED system into your playing is by applying it to songs you already know. Take a song you’re comfortable with, and instead of playing it in the usual position, try moving it up and down the neck using different CAGED shapes. This will not only help you master the system but also give you a new perspective on songs you might have played a hundred times before.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Each of these shapes is tied to a scale pattern. When you move that C shape up the neck, you can also map out a major scale within that shape. The same goes for the A, G, E, and D shapes.
What you end up with is a system where you can see both the chords and the scales that fit within those chords, no matter where you are on the neck.
This is a game-changer for improvisation because it allows you to visualize the notes that will work over a given chord progression, making your solos more connected and musical.
Take a look at the C chord and the C scale C shape next to each other:
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And, for example, the C chord and the C scale A shape next to each other:
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As you can see, the CAGED system isn’t just for chords. It’s a powerful tool for understanding scales, arpeggios, and even modes. Take a look at the Major Scale and try switching between the different CAGED position highlights to get familiar with all the forms.
Once you’ve got the basic idea down, start experimenting with different scales within the CAGED framework.
For instance, try playing a minor pentatonic scale using the C shape, then shift to the A shape, and so on. This will give you a whole new level of freedom when it comes to soloing and improvising.
Incorporating the CAGED system into your practice routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start slow, focus on one shape at a time, and gradually build up to connecting all five.
Over time, you’ll find that you’re no longer stuck in one part of the neck—you’ll be able to move fluidly across the fretboard, finding the notes you need without even thinking about it.
In the end, the CAGED system is all about giving you the tools to understand the guitar on a deeper level. It’s not just a collection of patterns—it’s a way of seeing the fretboard that will make you a more versatile and confident player.
So take the time to learn it, practice it, and make it a part of your musical toolkit. Trust me, it’s worth it.
