Know What A Caged Method Is
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 these are all major chords (the only open major chords) that are playable in an open position. Besides that, there are three other minor chords that can be played like the E minor, A minor, and the D minor. But the Caged label has more to do with the shapes and patterns (up and down the neck) that come out of these chords. Aside from that, you can also use other shapes as you progress further up the neck. Each of these letters, C-A-G-E and D, represent a shape of a chord. It also represents a shape of a pattern, or a scale that you can play in different places.
You’ll be in a very good position to play any key (just by moving these around) if you get to memorize all these five patterns and chord shapes. One of the great things about the guitar is that you can learn a lot of patterns. You can also move these patterns to other places without necessarily knowing much about the real key you’re in. So, if you could understand the shapes of the Caged group, as well as its patterns, then you’ll be able to play any key.
The CAGED label can be used in a lot of ways, but let’s just start with a simple example. Let’s use the F key for this one, and then choose a chord for it. You see, the F key can be combined with all five chords, each used in a different approach. You can play and bring together the F key by using any of the five chords mentioned, like a C shape (on the fifth fret), an A shape (on the eight fret), a G shape (on the tenth fret), an E shape (on the first fret), and a D shape (on the third fret). Aside from this example, you can also use the F key in making out other patterns from these combinations (like for guitar leads).
As complicated as this concept may be, and given that this is just a short rundown on the idea, CAGED shouldn’t be mistaken for being a method. It’s a CAGED label (along with its other minor categories), since it’s more of a labeling pattern, and an approach for remembering certain guitar combinations.
Christy Smith loves playing guitar. To view online guitar lessons the easy way go to TotallyGuitars.com