The CAGED System Clarified For Guitar-Part 2

[@NickJardine]

After you wrap your head around the CAGED chord shapes and how they move around, the next level is realizing that each shape contains a major scale/pentatonic around it. That really helped me!

[@kyleolin3566]

I learned my pentatonic scales and full scale/modes first. Now I am learning CAGED and triads/inversions. It is cool to be able to recognize all the root chord positions in the pentatonic shapes. One of my biggest issues improvising has been finding the root while playing the full neck. I feel like CAGED, triads, and inversions are bringing my guitar playing to another level.

[@jackfake9608]

Write it only twice...it's enough! CAGEDCAGED... your intros are a thing of beauty, keep it up!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks again!

[@emilychanfan]

You've explained it SO WELL, and continue to reinforce the point. The Aha moment will eventually pop for somebody, and it's beautiful, man 💡😮

[@dmac-333]

Guthrie. So perfectly explained. Players are so lucky these days to have free access to the likes of you, Tom, Jed and your vast knowledge. I would have loved it when I was learning pre-internet and couldn't afford lessons. Thanks mate. Appreciate it. Cheers from Oz on a Friday arvo.

[@fotog04]

Man, I've been playing for over 40 years. When I finally made the connection with the CAGED system a couple years ago (I'm slow I guess), it was an epiphany! Thank you Guthrie for shedding light for those in need. Well played indeed.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad I could help!

[@BillHeIsRisen]

Dude! Just watching you play is a pleasure.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

Cheers from Delray Beach. 😊 17:51 Nice sounds! 18:17 oh man, nice trick!!!

[@Tcontinenza]

I have seen many try to break down the CAGED system before and fail miserably. What you have done in two 20 minute videos is honestly one of the best I’ve seen. I hated the CAGED system for years and basically gave up and decided to learn triads instead. Once I learned basic triads shapes I started to see the CAGED system differently. Writing CAGEDCAGEDCAGED is the most efficient and simple way to show how this works. Thank you, for making this so much easier to understand and put into practice.

[@Timtime67]

Sweet intro Guthrie. It's cool to see this group of guys that have come together the past few years. We wish you guys all the success you deserve.

[@craig_ingram]

Guthrie, I am a longtime subscriber and just wanted to express my gratitude for your willingness to share your knowledge all these years. I learned the CAGED shapes from one of your videos about 5 years ago, and it totally changed my playing forever. I am nowhere near a virtuoso like you, but you opened up the fretboard for me in a way that connected the dots to understand music and ultimately make it way more fun. My live playing and improvisation took off, and learning songs by ear became way easier. Thank you, Guthrie!

[@billhodgesguitar]

Guthrie, you are 100% the best teacher on youtube. I appreciate that you present your teaching on a level that the average player can understand.

[@jacklbrt]

Just had a chance to see the video of you and Uncle Larry perform "Whenever You Come Around" with Vince Gill. The big smile on Vince's face when you played the first few phrases of the solo you took was priceless 😊

[@DanielC__]

That opening demonstration was off the charts Guthrie. Holy $hiznis!

[@Sammywhat]

Cory!! Thank you for your service, sir!!!

[@jamieb7799]

I definitely understand so much better after these 2 videos. Thanks Guthrie 🙏 Really appreciate it mate 👍

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Great to hear!

[@harutakagura4886]

Seriously clarifying for me, thank you for that. Going to rewatch and drill these until it clicks

[@kofblz]

Great job, Guthrie. I agree you should continue to drive the point home. I play fiddle and the patterns are easier to see with the strings being all in 5ths, but it's the same principal. And seeing the pattern, no matter how long it takes, really opens up everything.

[@joshellyson]

Thanks Mr GT for round 2. When I first came to CAGED , it was often confusing just for the reasons you are saying. One thing that helped me was seeing the root note of each shape and how the shapes follow the root up the fretboard. When I saw that it started to makes sense. Not sure if that will help anyone, but thought I should mention it. Thanks for your generosity towards us out here.

[@Cactusflattmediaphotography]

Finally im getting it GT...priceless ...❤

[@Sammywhat]

GT, your playing is spreading love to all who are smart enough to subscribe and beyond! It's a much needed and important thing in this crazy world we live in today!! 👑

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Much appreciated!

[@deanrogers632]

Breakthrough!!! Using CAGEDCAGEDCAGED got me there. Thanks, GT!

[@Take8Recordings]

Holy hell man!! Unbelievable ferocity my dude🔥🔥🔥🤩

[@jamesgarcia7955]

I’m in NY GT. My In Stereo CD and In Stereo t-shirt coming Saturday. I b stylin’ soon 🎸

[@RoyXane]

i’ve learned so much from you Guthrie, thanks for your insight . I’m getting a pretty good grasp on caged, its useful for me to say 2 two notes to myself when i’m playing, The root and the chord shape , so i can go to the root, an boom! plant the shape …different notes for different folks i guess! i’m sure i’ll get it down to just the root one day..

[@johnrapone4891]

Great lesson! My favorite part was around 14:55 with GT getting annoyed with CAGED and almost losing it 😂

[@vonarndt111]

So at 18 minutes he's going to blow your mind. How the hell does he do that!!! Killer Killer playing!!

[@williamhurrelbrink3324]

That hot stuff starting at 0:58 you do that the absolute best man. Looks like a nice stretch too. You always fit it in so tastefully. I don’t quite understand what you are playing right there. But it’s soo good. The whole video is great, but man.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Appreciate it!

[@mykneeshurt8393]

14:45 is what took me WAY too long to understand. Great lesson. Thank you!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mef41687]

caged becomes confusing as soon as we verbalize it i think. i apreciate you shedding light on the things some of us less articulate minds wouldnt have otherwise picked up. you might have unlocked my cage

[@ronmercer6362]

Thanks for this Guthrie. Another great video to help with CAGED. I've been working on this since I found your channel. I totally get it, but when I try to talk about it my brain overheats. You're doing a great job of it. And the intros are always amazing. Thanks again!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to help!

[@STEVO_8181]

Thanks for taking the time to teach your KZbin gang! I learn something new every time sir! Keep it up man, it helps!!

[@Cactusflattmediaphotography]

Fuggin fantastic lesson...thank you!!! GT

[@danbysstation8813]

Keep at it GT. Your education stuff is easily understood depending on your level. It always makes us reach higher and that's how your chops improve!

[@MTownB615]

Absolutely Fantastic! Thanks, Again. 🙏

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you too!

[@james_caha]

Thank you! Finally, I got what CAGED means.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Great!

[@adamginocchi6159]

GT what’s up brother. Great content as always. Much appreciated.

[@reebretsat.9747]

You are amazing, Mr. Trapp. Thanks for your sharing of such focused information without all the typical bullshit. You are badass!!!

[@michaelgiordano6490]

Thank you Guthrie for always sharing your knowledge with us!

[@MartyVenit]

Beyond special as always. Appreciate you!!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@nzprojects]

This lessons do wonders. Since i started practicing this, my fretboard knowledge is much better. 🎶🎸🦾☮

[@mattprince9204]

Nice little bit of Wes Montgomery at the end, GT! 🎸👌

[@niels9875]

I don't want to confuse you guys. 16:39: Watch this. Kidding man. Bit by bit I am understanding CAGED.

[@JerryCherryBand]

That was mind melting 🎸

[@piotrm4507]

Your guitar sounds perfect after string change ;) And someone did a good job setting the intonation!

[@mjfoste]

Thanks for the clarification on the CAGED system. It is very important and ensures that your hands are in the proper position when playing.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Crucial!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Cavemanbd]

Beautiful! Love your videos. Always inspiring, full of stories and new stuff to learn from

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you like them!

[@stratocumulusnimbostratus328]

Would love to see how you connect arps when changing chord love you man ❤

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks! Happy to book a lesson to get specific.

[@deadpatriot8047]

I understand CAGED and how it will help me solo but haven’t practiced it enough to just grab chords all the way up so therefore I can’t play as freely as I want. Maybe on an upcoming episode you could give a practice routine to help. I’m not exaggerating to say I think you are the best player on the planet and I’m a huge fan. Thanks

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks a bunch! Happy to book a lesson to get specific.

[@Lakestir]

Sometimes I think I am catching up to Guthrie and then I see him play an intro like this.

[@billm6580]

Thanks Guthrie! I’m convinced you are just on a whole other wavelength mentally with music. That stuff you were playing is 🤯. Luckily I do get CAGED though. Now to practice and apply it to everyday playing. I can see the connections with scales. Now I need to learn and apply the arpeggios with them as well. Thanks for the help.

[@concernedcitizen4181]

Country/ Jazz baby

[@adamsmith5828]

"see I hate this fucking thing??" 😂😂😂 perfect 👌

[@cw5365]

CAGED describes how a single chord (ex. A major) can be found across the guitar neck in the sequence of the CHORD SHAPES of the OPEN chords of C,A,G,E, and D. The open chords are where the acronym of CAGED originates. When playing from the 1 chord he using the CAGED pattern of the 1 chord. When playing the 4 chord, he is using the pattern as related to the 4 chord (still the caged pattern but as related to the 4). So when he moves to a new chord he is still in the CAGED system but it is the system as related to the chord which is being played. In addition, he is creating the sound types from the basic triads within each chord shape by determining where the root note is and adjusting it to create the dom7 or maj 7 sound. The minor sound is created by lowering the 3rd by 1 half step. Dominant 7 is created by lowering the root a whole step, and the major 7 sound is created by lowering the root by a half step. The CAGED patterns sort of stack enabling one to play out of any chord. The system also works for the other chords and patterns that one may come across. It takes alot of practice to start seeing it, but it is worth the effort.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Finally. This is a proper explanation. Yes. Exactly.

[@cw5365]

@@guthrietrappmusic Thanks. Glad to help. Hope that made sense.

[@BobEstremera]

Thank you, professor! Best CAGED instruction, EVER.

[@donwershba2319]

Stunning musicality. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. And now I understand and will use the CAGED system

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donwershba2319]

@@guthrietrappmusic So, I'm just doinking around trying to learn some old songs - The Beatles 'If I Fell" and right away saw how the CAGED system (that you finally taught me!) made the voicings sound right... you are a prince and a musical treasure - Thanks Guthrie!

[@Nozmo_King_NJ]

What a great teacher you are GT, and one of my FAVORITE players! Man, that's the hugest speeding ticket I have ever seen. Sorry to learn about that, bummer!

[@DaveZnoise]

I noticed the same hang up when trying to explain the concept. I think calling them shape 1-5 removes the confusion a little but then you lose the familiarity with the CAGED shapes which is part of the ease.

[@jrlopez4341]

I know what you mean about New York tickets oh my God they’ll get you even if you’re going slow sorry that happened to you, buddy. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge about the case system and showing us some new techniques. We could use to bing mine.

[@joeblough261]

A speeding ticket? Thing looks like an entire court docket, lol. I just visited Nashville for the Light the Night walk, and met a 16 year old English kid from Spain, who was inspired to play guitar by the great Charles Esten of Nashville (Deacon) fame. We're all part of his LLS Team Addie). The kid Max started about 18 months ago and is already shredding Mark Knopfler. His dream is to be a session player, so I turned him on to this, Uncle Larry, and Tim Pierce's channels for all this valuable knowledge. His family is planning to move to Nashville

[@mikelynchrockfordmusic4823]

Thanks to you Guthrie, I get the Caged system. I was already doing my own concoction of it but your explanation clarified everything!

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Bloody hell, Guthrie, you know that fretboard sooooo well 👌

[@stratocumulusnimbostratus328]

You continue be the maaaaan ❤

[@rushmore5150]

Love it. Thank you! ❤

[@RudeRud7]

Thanks for the useful tips

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Happy to help!

[@ChrisMacdonald-z8x]

Thank you for your generosity. The "GED" joke was great

[@aavel1964]

GT this is getting hard to grind through the Artist Works Curriculum and the youtube lessons 🤪 I also need to eat and sleep 😅

[@curtisgill1118]

This was a smart video to make as a learning teacher

[@Edlump]

Awesome class, great tone in those hands.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@CalvinLimSH-ld5le]

When you play Caged chord, you must know the same musical notes 1 3 5 [E.g. C chord - CEG / EGC or GCE ] played all over the fretboard. Thanks for sharing and simplifying what is a movable caged chord system and how to play them correctly. By knowing where the shared note lies, you can play all your chord progression [E,.g. C-CGE-1, F-FAC -iv, G7- GBDF -v ] closed to one another in the same area.

[@ProdByZVY]

Inversions

[@jeffro.]

Wow, Guthrie. What you played today, at the beginning of this video, has to be the absolute most awesome thing I've ever heard anyone play. No shit, it was incredible! Not sure why, but the speed at which you played it was just.... There's no word for it! Not kidding. No joke. Man, that shit just wiped me! I am NOT KIDDING, DUDE. It really did. I mean, i already knew you're awesome playing that thing, "Telecasting from Na-yash-Veele," and all, but THAT shit was just over the top. Dude, i wanna play like that. I WILL, too. But first i need to unna-stan WHAT you was playin' cuz i couldn't follow yo' fingerz while i was tryin' to keep my jaw off the floor! Nuff said about THAT! i DO belive your "good life" (that you've EARNED, no doubt, BTW), is affecting your playin' abilities! Fo' sho'. Mmmm, mmmmh. Hope you're having a great day! But i KNOW you are! < sorry 'bout the loooooong rant, but it WAS deserved! > 👍👍👍!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks so much man!!

[@m.vonhollen6673]

If you play a 3-chord Blues with 3 Dominant 7 chords, you’ll find those 3 chords in each of the 5 positions: CFG, ADE, GCD, EAB, DGA. F uses E-shape and B uses C-shape.

[@concernedcitizen4181]

Love the Waterloo

[@Doug_Seidlitz]

Beautiful playing before your lesson? Yes please.

[@slammingrooves]

The 1-4-5 thing is blowing me away. I'm going to be playing that in every key, tomorrow.

[@christopherfryda]

You're awesome GT!

[@seanmurray976]

GT - thanks for part 2 on this. The diagram opened my eyes and now I get it my man. Sorry about those NY Staties…I live in The Greater Boston area and they play for keeps up here too - though in this area Massachusetts) we are referred to as Massholes (rightfully so I may add…we suck at driving) - when I get a few bucks together I’ll reach out for a one on one via Skype/Zoom…till then…I’ll be living in Pentatonic land with CAGED. Right on….

[@returncode0000]

This is an aha! moment 👍

[@reon127]

There are 5 shapes. C shape, A shape.., etc.. You can use it for any chord to connect them up and down the neck

[@CantAffordToRecord]

Patiently waiting for when you'll go over the EDCAG System

[@oscarferrerbernal3824]

Love the intros, awesome musicality and awesome skills

[@Ten2More]

Off to the woodshed with that knowledge I go. Thanks for filling in the gaps, buddy! Man, you sure make that Tele say what whatever you want!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to help!

[@scottcurry4116]

Thanks for another great video!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you like them!

[@donmccown6645]

That was great!

[@ekpil]

Thanks!

[@michaeljosephbrumo157]

Perhaps make a push to start referring to them as position 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 instead of C shape, A shape, G shape, E shape and D shape?

[@dlmyrs]

Here’s a little song in the key of C. Matter of fact, it’s all Cs. 😅. And not everyone needs to join up, those USO shows can be some real bangers to take away from what’s going on. Even in peacetime, always great to be entertained in some places.

[@TeleNobels]

Hey Guthrie. This is super helpful, I have a hard time remembering how to start transitioning the caged system / triads to minor. I forget which fret to move up or down. Do you have any tricks or mental maps to remembering those?

[@piotrm4507]

The joke about drinking in the morning was funny!;)

[@NoLeakz]

I think it’s time for a T-Chord!!

[@malcolmdavies5990]

Big Thanks

[@manke59]

You’re a badass on that instrument. I wish I lived in Nashville, I would take lessons from you.

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

Good points! I think what you are trying to say is that CAGED is simply an acronym for memory sake kinda like medical students use in school like FAST: An acronym used to remember the signs of a stroke - Face, Arms, Speech, Time. You certainly hope that if your loved one was having a stroke your Doctor wouldn't have to stop and think hmmm? oh yea FAST LOL

[@megarxidas17]

I use what Brad Carleton calls the EDCAG system CAGED is just easy to say nothing else.All the scales start on the E shape every one of them ,major ,minor ,penta,dorian,mixolydian……….So if i play the minor penta shape we all know and love say in G on the 3rd fret the major penta on the 3rd fret that would be played would be the 353542525253 (starting from the high E string)What this does is to allow you to play in the same area the penta minor and the penta major one over the other.

[@malcolmmcatee3752]

I think once I was introduced to CAGED and understood it pretty well, I still found 5 shapes too much to deal with while I was playing and kind of whittled it down to 3. The C/D shape includes the D triad. The A/G Shape shares a triad etc. The E/F shape has its own thing. It doesn't have a snappy name, but seems easier to remember (in different orders)

[@malcolmmcatee3752]

Maybe I am missing out on hand positioning with this method?

[@thepatternplayback]

I was thinking about this a lot this week and I would love if you literally broke down each shape per video where you say "Here is the C shape. These are all the scales that work off this shape." Going over everything about just one shape and do that for each shape in CAGED. Could even be a book.

[@GeorgeTesta-l9q]

Great Stuff!! Sweet

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks for listening

[@QuinnGuitar]

Right ON

[@jega157]

I got it. "Shape" can also be described as "grip". perhaps that sounds less confusing for some.

[@mmmatthewww]

Pretty darned good intro!!

[@martinrajchel7116]

GT, I am beyond grateful for your teachings as it has completely transformed how I look at the guitar and approach my playing. I hope to catch you live one of these days (maybe you will come to the Philly area?). Anyway, I was wondering how you approach melodic minor chords and harmony (especially getting that augmented sound that some jazz dudes get and I hear from time to time in your improvs). I would love to hear your thoughts on that sometime in the future. Thanks again for the inspiration to continue working on music and the guitar!