The CAGED System
Stop viewing open chords as isolated shapes. Learn to connect them across the entire neck.
With the CAGED system, we can stop thinking of the beginner chords as just chords we play down at the nut, and start thinking of them as abstract shapes that can be moved to any key, to play any chord we want. The A major shape can play a C chord, if we play the exact same shape, but start it with the root on a C instead of an A.
The magic of the fretboard is that these 5 shapes (C, A, G, E, and D) do not exist in isolation. They overlap and link together sequentially across the neck. When you finish playing a C shape moving up the frets, the end of that shape shares root notes with the start of the A shape. From A you flow into G, from G into E, from E into D, and finally from D right back into a C shape an octave higher.
Understanding this linkage means you no longer need to memorize a completely different chord voicing or scale pattern for every single position on the guitar. Once you master how these five movable templates interlock, you unlock total freedom to navigate chord inversions, arpeggios, and melody lines anywhere from the first fret to the twelfth and beyond.
The 5 Shapes at a Glance
C Shape
Root note sits on the 5th string. Great for voicing middle-register chords and triads.
A Shape
Root note on the 5th string. The direct template used for standard major barre chords.
G Shape
Root note on the 6th string. Bridges the gap between the A and E shape positions.
E Shape
Root note on the 6th string. The most common and recognizable barre chord anchor.
D Shape
Root note on the 4th string. Perfect for higher-register rhythm work and treble leads.
Check out the Intervals Guide for a quick breakdown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does CAGED stand for on guitar?
CAGED stands for the 5 basic open chord shapes: C major, A major, G major, E major, and D major. These shapes overlap sequentially across the neck.
How do I use CAGED for guitar solos?
CAGED maps chord tones directly underneath scale positions so you can highlight root notes, thirds, and fifths during soloing instead of guessing notes.
In what order do the CAGED shapes connect?
The shapes always connect in order for the word CAGED looping around: C to A, A to G, G to E, E to D, and D back to C.
Does the CAGED system work for minor chords too?
Yes, you can apply the exact same sequential connection across the fretboard using minor open chord shapes (Cm, Am, Gm, Em, Dm).