What good is the ability to play single-note riffs and solos if you can't connect them to the chords from which they spring, or backup your friends? Not much, unless you're a jazz-punk rocker dude or dudette who's not into "structure."
Learning and applying CAGED theory provides a greatly expanded grasp of the guitar fingerboard. It helps guitarists of all levels develop strength, accuracy and stamina in their hands and sets the mind free to focus on the music. And best of all, it entertains its most avid practitioners with every new melody or chord progression they play—for a lifetime.
Do I need to know how to read music to learn CAGED theory?
No, but you do need to at least understand basic guitar tablature and be able to finger/play the 5 first position major chord shapes (C,A,G,E,D) and change between them comfortably. If you can't, go away for a bit and learn 'em!
You don't have to read music or even tab to use CAGED. In fact, it's a good idea to focus on learning CAGED before learning a bunch of music theory or repertoire that needs re-integration with your newfound prowess. So if you're a novice player, you're just in time! If you've been playing for awhile, you've got some reprogramming ahead of you.
You position the lesson to fingerstyle players. What about flatpickers?
It's the same thing really. Cross-picking is very similar. You voice the shape by the pattern you pick. Or strum.
Why isn't there a video of what you're teaching?
Oh there are probably dozens of videos on YouTube, et. al. I haven't done one yet because I'm busy. And besides, the real value of CAGED theory isn't merely obtaining a visual understanding of what's happening or a gee-whiz moment. If you know CAGED, it's tactile and programmed in. You can't just run through it once and think you've got it, sorry. Reading, understanding and applying the individual moves across increasingly complex chord changes is what gets you the method...in your hands where it really belongs, not just your head.
I hope there's going to be a video soon. Don't hold your breath.
How can I express my appreciation for your insight and willingness to share what you've learned about CAGED theory?
- Leave a nice comment with praise, feedback, consternations, etc.
- Send a donation via PayPal (jay AT jaytoups DOT com)
- Send meta (no not meta info...)
- Send email
- Pass CAGED on: send this link to your picker friends
10 comments:
Dude ur a fucking tool, your lesson blows dick
Dude, you are ill mannered and spent less than two minutes on this site to reach your summary judgement. I bet you play really, really well.
Bite me, asshat.
Thanks for all your good work Jay. I FINALLY think I understand the system - now its just a matter of going away and doing the work, myself!
Well done Jay! I have been "playing" guitar for a few years but I am self taught, no lessons at all :P
I have never actually learned the caged theory but your explanation is very comprehensive and helpful! I'm super excited to grab my guitar and practice this structure. I'm guessing it will take me some time due to my "rock n' roller" tendencies ha-ha. Can't wait to "back hand" my guitar XD
Thanks again! Cheers!
Glad the CAGED lesson is getting your fingers/hands pointed in the right direction, Anonymous.
Happy picking!
- Jay
I needed this like no other. I've been playing guitar for probably 10 years now.. I've taken classes at college, lessons, all that stuff.. I feel like a pretty good guitar player but when it comes down to playing with other people I always get stuck or unsure or confused.. whatever term you feel like interpreting.. I read this tutorial nice and slowly then went and practiced the 5 chord shapes in c,d,e,g, and a keys and I can already tell how helpful this is going to be once it becomes natural.. my hand hurts like hell and i'm super pumped about it. thanks for a sweet, simple lesson.. i can't wait to get better at this.
I've played guitar for over 10 years now.. lessons, classes all that stuff.. yet I still find myself getting super confused or stuck on what I should and shouldn't play when I play with other guitarists or bands.. I read this tutorial pretty slowly and started figuring my way through the different shapes in different keys and I can already tell, without being even remotely comfortable with it, that it's going to be a huge help when it becomes automatic.. thanks for a sweet lesson, it's exactly the knowledge I needed to get over a serious plateau.
Your images are in the wrong order. Instead of them being C(1) A(2) G(3) E(4) D(5) they are reversed. D(1) E(2) G(3) A(4) C(5)
Anonymous,
The order of the shapes right to left is simply how the shapes appear visually to another player. I doubt anyone here to learn CAGED theory has a problem with it.
nice clear explanation, tough to find this on most sites
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