What is the CAGED System?

The CAGED System is a robust system for learning the fretboard. It divides the fretboard into 5 unique positions the roots of which are the same as those found in the 5 open chords after which the system is named: C A G E D.

What can you learn using the CAGED System?

Any melodic or harmonic device. Triads, Arpeggios, 7th Chords, Pentatonic Scales, Modes etc etc

Here is an example of the CAGED System.

If we look at this excellent voicing of a C9 chord (no 5th) it may initially be difficult to see how it fits into the CAGED system.

However upon examination we can see that it is a Position 5 (G shape) voicing.

  • If we look at the root note configuration of Position 5 (G Shape) we can see how we’re using the highest root note from that position. 

  • If we then examine the major triad from position 5 we can see that we’re using the highest major 3rd available from that position. 

  • If we look at the 7th arpeggio we can see that we’re using the middle b7th from position 5.

  • Lastly if we examine the Mixolydian Scale from position 5 we can see that we’re using the highest available 9th/2nd from that position.

Here are some examples of chords and which CAGED position they are using. The transparent triangles indicate root notes that aren’t played but that visually represent the CAGED Position being used.

Common misconceptions regarding CAGED: 

 It’s a beginner system - this is based off the presumption that all the system is used for is moving open chords up and down the neck. This is just one small aspect of the CAGED system. You can express anything through the CAGED system. Below is a position 1 (E Shape) A9#11 chord voicing which comes from the Lydian Dominant Scale.

It doesn’t teach you intervals - CAGED absolutely teaches intervals if you take the time to learn the intervals in each shape that you learn. The intervals are the little numbers in the circles illustrated in the diagrams provided.

It’s only useful for triads - Again, you can learn anything using CAGED. It’s a robust system for learning the geography of the guitar fretboard.

You don’t have to learn the CAGED System but it’s useful to know what it actually is before dismissing it. If all you want to do is learn how to barre open shapes to create other chords such as F#m or Bb7 then the CAGED system teaches that, however if you want to collate an extensive & coherent knowledge of the fretboard (arpeggios, scales, chords etc) then the CAGED System also teaches that.

Click here to read a preview of my CAGED System Book or here to purchase it for only $6.99.