How to actually USE the CAGED system on guitar. A practical guide to CAGED - Guitar Lesson EP273

In this week's guitar lesson, I'm going to break down the CAGED system on guitar and show you how to start using it right away when you play. This lesson comes with 3 practice MP3 jam tracks, tablature, and cheat sheets.
To view access this entire lesson (which includes the downloadables), visit www.activemelo...

[@chrislehman1343]

Brian, I agree that this is one of you best lessons. I've been at it for 50+ years and in all those years I have never heard a better explanation of the caged system. This is the reason I watch your lessons. You have rescued me from many ruts where I get stagnet and need some motivation. Keep up the good work.

[@timsmith190]

This is the best intro to CAGED I've seen on the internet. While I was not so lucky (50 videos later), those that found this one on their first try will save a lot of time...

[@dirkgibbens377]

FINALLY!! I GET IT!! Watched tons of vids on CAGED system and you are the first one to clearly and practically “connect the dots”... literally

[@rileyjones5689]

Definitely the most practical lesson using CAGED. Others explain what it is. This lesson is very helpful... especially top and bottom half of chords that are difficult/unpractical to bar all 6 strings.. Thanks!

[@tylerm1752]

Of the several videos I've watched trying to explain this concept, this is by far the best. Thank you!

[@jimforgrave6365]

Great tip on splitting up those chords! The impracticality of fretting some of those shapes always had me believing this was a great idea, but a flawed system. wow...you just opened up a new door for me

[@warrenstephens874]

The clearest explanation of the CAGED system that I have heard/seen. Thanks so much.

[@charlesmitchell6657]

Hi I am a new member ,I have been all over the web looking for someone who teaches guitar and break it down so any one can understand how it really work I think are the best guitar teacher on the web I never understood the circle of 5ths but I do now thanks

[@mrchaswag]

I wish I'd know about this when I started playing 40 years ago. You've given the best explanation of how to use the entire fingerboard. I'm going to be practicing this. Seems a huge piece of the puzzle that I was previously missing. Thank you!!!

[@jimavato6799]

Best CAGED lesson. I gave up on this concept yeas ago when I couldn't practically bar those chords. Thank you. Joining premium level now. Looking forward to more.

[@brickupdate]

I have watched so many other CAGED videos from other instructors on KZbin, and no one has explained it in such a practical manner as you did! Not just the fact that some of the shapes are impractical, but you shared alternate ways to envision ways to use parts of each shape. Unbelievably useful, I can't believe everyone isn't teaching it this way! Thank you.

[@therealdoug1000]

I've watched dozens of videos on CAGED. This is the first one I actually understood. Thanks!

[@TheForce_Productions]

Thank you, I've seen a lot of videos about the matter even though not being a natural english talker and I found yours as the most clearer. Cheers!

[@stevedouglas7375]

Clear, concise communicator. No stumbling and fumbling around. Love it. I just subscribed. Thank you.

[@bornacook2179]

Steve Douglas he’s the best.. Marty is also good from guitar jamz.com but the problem w Marty is that he’s always joking and tryin to be funny and just not funny.. He’s one annoying dude.. Brian is all business and he takes teaching serious.. I’m pretty sure he’s the best teacher on here.. And he’s a great guy.. I have no problem w giving him my money. Good luck man

[@stevedouglas7375]

@@bornacook2179 I'm sorry for just now replying. For some reason I never received a notification of your reply. I just came across this while reviewing this lesson. In any event, thank you for your comments and well wishes! You're right in what you say and yes, Brian is a fantastic guitar instructor. I enjoy everything about how he teaches. Calm, with an easy going personality and like you point out, he's all business and doesn't get side tracked with nonsensical things. Thanks again Born A Cook!

[@bornacook2179]

@@stevedouglas7375 yeah man.. no problem.. You sound like a great guy as well..

[@stevedouglas7375]

@@bornacook2179 Cool. Thanks Born A Cook.

[@RANDOG1951]

This one is worth $12 bucks alone. A thought; re-issue this March 2021 using your newer head to neck camera shot. Before I advance, my goal is to learn the caged. Everything that you teach that's easier fingering is beneficial to me. I hope for others as well. Short, broken, arthritic fingers make it a bit difficult, for me. Learning a musical instrument helps to slow memory loss. At least that's what I've read. 69 and trying to kick it. Thanks, Mr. Brian.

[@DG-mv6zw]

Can't believe I've been playing guitar for over 40 years but only heard of the CAGED system a couple of years ago. I finally understood it a few months ago, but haven't even practiced it yet. I've got so many levels of procrastination, laziness and apathy. That being said, your tutorial has both inspired me to learn it as well as getting my head down to cement it into my consciousness. Evidently old dogs can indeed be taught new tricks, so thanks for taking the time to share your skill and help others to get out of their rut of cowboy chords. I've the utmost respect for guys like you who have the ability and the desire to teach guys like me. Many thanks 👍 PS I'm really hoping you do sooner tutorials on basic fills and licks suitable for acoustic guitar folksy/country songs rather than the normal blues orientated licks/fills.

[@notyourpapa]

The best practical use of the caged system I have ever seen.

[@eazyrider6122]

This is the best upload ive seen on the CAGE system so far.

[@b-ran7024]

This is best/most practical way that I’ve heard this explained, thank you

[@skintslots]

Those G shaped C chords are a priceless tip. Many thanks for that as it makes playing in that position so much easier.

[@scottrempel7243]

Agreed with many of the other comments. Seen lots on CAGED before and understood the foundations.... what you added was the little chords. That was very helpful!

[@randyrandy6137]

Hey Brian, you have done what no other tutorial expert online has been able to achieve, you have clearly and concisely explained the CAGED system

[@stevedouglas7375]

Randy randy, I agree. Brian is a fantastic guitar instructor. I don't know if you're a member, but I think I'm going to become one. He has a lot to offer for sure.

[@antoniogee2018]

Wow! I learned so much from this lesson! I like how you broke up the chords into low and high parts. I finally got a grasp of the caged system. Thanks!

[@markrup6369]

OMG. This is soooo clear, Brian. I have had an epiphany.

[@cadrat1962]

Excellent way of explaining all the chord shapes... Have been playing around with CAGED for a while now and you made the penny drop!! ... Thank you!!

[@RyneMurray23]

I love the way you play in all your other videos. There's no wasted movement and that's something I struggle with sometimes.

[@ErikPost-erikjjpost]

Brian, thanks !! As we say in Holland, the quarter fell today. Meaning, thanks to this one; I suddenly see the connections. Learning is great.

[@bgabriel28]

I'm so grateful for this video. I've been looking for a good way to practice caged and this is the best I've seen so far. Looking forward to adding this to my routine and leveling up!

[@malcolmsansom5026]

Best vid on the CAGED system I now understand it, I'm a novice guitarist and have been struggling to get my head around this, thanks a lot 🎸🎸

[@rustyboats9645]

This lesson totally opened the CAGED concept for me! Thank You!

[@grandpasnake]

Great lesson! Your comment about other online lessons and the divide between theory and practical use was spot on. Thanks for taking us that extra step and showing us how to use the system.

[@VEGAS_DISCOUNT_GEAR]

Best video on caged system ive seen. Very intelligent and useful videos on your channel. Thanks for that.

[@GatoBrooks]

About to take take a year off to boost my guitar skills and will be using you as the guide. Paid up and enjoying the excellent method.

[@canadianintheukbrian]

I needed a Cage Chord refresh, as I go went the various lessons on AM , I felt that I wanted to go over cage chord system, Brian you have great way of explaining these lessons, easy to absorb, the extra bits on the lesson MP3 Tabs, are brilliant for practicing cheers

[@jamesfagan7823]

Brian is the best 👌 at getting the message across thanks man

[@davidcass4958]

Just learning this, this is by far the best explanation that I’ve seen, thanks

[@JimsMusicLegacy]

Finally, it makes sense. Thank you for the video

[@garysbraccia4980]

u just changed my life.......premium member here i come

[@sallysigler727]

Yes, agree with other comments; good explanation, now I finally understand it! I see how you’re in position all over the neck. When I concentrate on it for a few hours, I’ll probably find the related chords in any given key in close proximity to the tonic. So the related scales to the related chords can be used to play leads. 🎸

[@Capt-Cran]

Your videos and teaching skills are "top-shelf" ... a fabulous KZbin Channel ... thank you for sharing!!

[@jameskennedy7093]

Great video. Making CAGED more practical to use (hand ergonomics-wise) is a great improvement for me. Thanks!

[@bluesman7119]

I have became a Premium member because the instruction is amazing, there is so many great teachers all are good in their own way, however, Brian has this knack to get his instruction across clearly, I have grown so much as a player, the question is being a Premium member worth it yes I would say 100% , the price is very affordable, when family and friends notice your playing has improved that is the proverbial proof in the pudding ,

[@activemelody]

Thank you :)

[@johnperry9082]

I'm already subscribed. Highly recommend this website. Not expensive and amazing easy to work with lessons.

[@zollyclaman]

Clear lesson and stunning guitar

[@fattyz1]

Ok man! You get a big up vote for meeting me where I’m at which is the arpeggios. Breaking them into both octaves across and going up the neck. Perfect, thank you so much.

[@BinoRucker]

omg, ka boom; never realized the "d" in caged is different than the cowboy chord d!!!! you cleared up a huge hurdle for me!!!

[@BinoRucker]

whoa, i realze the D shape notes are in the c shape and the d shape so that is my confusion....wow

[@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes]

CAGED is the instruction manual every guitar should come with

[@bobravenscraft5376]

THANK YOU DUDE. Spent many years trying to connect this. I can play scales from Hell. But this eluded me. You ROCK!!!

[@mariabr8954]

I didn't know i could split the chords! this is a new level of knowledge thanks for sharing!

[@jasonbourne488]

Both brilliant and smart. Am so happy I found your channel Brian

[@troykase9472]

Thank you for all of the aha moments! I have this feeling in almost every single video that you make.

[@Nashvillemusicman]

Brilliant! Thanks so much. The simplicity of the concept is eye opening!

[@TeriScheinzeit]

I was with you till the end when you went to the F chord with the C shape!

[@ryanh4975]

You are a great teacher.

[@GatoBrooks]

About to take take a year off to boost my guitar skills and will be using you as the guide. Paid up and enjoying the excellent method.

[@slowlearner4721]

Be prepared to see your guitar playing go up a level if you've joined Brian's Activemelody as a premium member. Mine did! Good luck.

[@stanmanmedia]

You got me through the CAGE system in another video that was tremendous. Thank you!!!! What confuses the hell out of me, although I understand it, is why you CAGE advocates insist on calling something a G shape when you must rationalize it as a G calling it top of the G or bottom etc. That took me 10 minutes to understand the "rationalization" in or order to keep the dialogue within the CAGE theory, because it must be so called "G shape", bottom of G or top or whatever. You do an outstanding job, but I can understand why some experienced guitarist want to give up on this CAGE lingo.

[@activemelody]

Because it's using the G shape - tell me the better thing to call that shape. Ideas?

[@stanmanmedia]

@@activemelody I understand. You really do outstanding work!! Thanks for being so kind to answer. I'm sure you're extremely busy.

[@marcmarc172]

This was right on my level. Thanks a lot!

[@gordonmarks359]

You are a Fantastic teacher l am in Canada

[@javelin1835]

You have a very good way of explaining these elements of guitar playing. Its very easy to learn from you. Very enjoyable.

[@lamgefyoutoob]

That guitar is killer. Great lesson, and a perfect example why I am a paid subscriber to Active Melody.

[@annarakannan6620]

The best of the best. Many thanks.

[@scottbradley5482]

Well Done and thank you for pointing out how it is used in practice. This week alone is worth the price of admission.

[@PianoGuitarVocal]

Thank you! You explained the CAGED system very well.

[@haraldkannler5041]

Guten Morgen Brian!! Ich wiederhole mich, absolut lehrreich! Ich werde es versuchen!! Liebe Grüße aus Essen Germany🎸🎸

[@incon007]

thank you for the explanation. now I am keeping in mind a simple thing like that - Starting for fret 1 with C, this is the first Letter of CAGED. we have a C in 2nd string in 3rd Fret : we use then A shape and this is the second C, " this is the second letter of CAGED" We have a C on the first string on 8th fret, if we do a G shape then we have again a C " this is the third letter of CAGED" At the same 8th fret if we do E shape we will get again a C " this is the 4th letter of CAGED" and finaly on 12th fret if we do D shape we have again C " this is the fifth letter of CAGED" this is working well for major chords, but what about minor chord is it the same ? :-)

[@activemelody]

there are 3 primary shapes for minor chords - (instead of 5) - check out this lesson for the minors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jovCoZiAn6qggZI

[@m.vonhollen6673]

Start on E and add in the b7. So EDCAG, and all Dominant 7 chords, and associate these 5 shapes to the 5 Minor Pentatonic “boxes” to which you add in 3 for 1-b3/3-4-5-b7. It’s essentially learning how to arpeggiate E7 all across the neck from open position to the 12th fret. Once you can do that in E, moving to all of the other keys is just like moving a capo. - The next step is learning how to play a I-IV-V three-chord Blues in all 5 positions. -

[@wildcat1065]

Definitely a missing piece in the jigsaw for me. I was finding the caged chords near impossible to play until this. Thanks!

[@MikeKBradley]

Great lesson ... and lovely guitar!

[@algomez04]

This is awesome. I’ve always hated the caged system because of the awkward finger positions. Thx bud.

[@zaherfaraj4936]

Thank you , fantastic lesson 👍

[@jojomama4787]

Possibly your best work,thanks!

[@JosephDunegan]

Wow! I've been using the CAGED system and didn't even know it! LOL! Great explanation!

[@dmagnin]

extremely helpful after years of playing!!!!! Thanks so much:)

[@drhardlove]

That is a serious sounding guitar. Thanks for an inspireing lesson.

[@JuanLandaluce]

Ah! It finally clicked in my head. Now I see it... Great explanation. Subscribed.

[@Lillywright501]

Finally I found someone focusing on fingers in caged

[@YourGuitarGuide]

Excellent video Brian, and very practical. I guess you went back to the black background it looks great 🙂👍

[@jeanpierrechristin8216]

YourGuitarGuide

[@fred4540]

Excellent! Very,very useful. Many thanks for opening the caged system for me.

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

A Great ! Lesson , so cool ! ! Thank You.

[@lastnizam]

This is a great lesson. Thank you so very much

[@lovelivefun]

Thank you for clarifying beautifully :-)

[@bobravenscraft5376]

I always played sweeping triads. with these. Again thanks

[@johnvinter]

Just achieve guitarist enlightenment.......thank you Brian!

[@jonathanowens9298]

Great explanation but I am still confused. The "A" shape he's using looks nothing like an "A" shape I've ever seen. I thought the purpose of CAGED was to use the common chord shapes all over the neck. Is this still considered the CAGED system?

[@7yearsago425]

You explained it very well. Thank you

[@niallvan]

Dude this is the best one ive seen thank you!

[@RyneMurray23]

Thank you for your lessons

[@ghdrum]

Yup. Clear and easy to understand - and that's coming from a drummer! Thanks. Subbed.

[@sparechange-music1775]

I watched several videos on CAGED ... none made sense until now

[@ted9876]

Yeah I agree. Brian is good

[@tman6495]

Very well done.......thank you!

[@handsolo1546]

Very good! I learned some new shapes with the top parts, thanks!

[@bruces819]

Well I also never saw anybody using the full G chord shape ... including myself :D But as a side effect; now I also understand some chord shapes other guitarist use , like the high part of the A shape ... double eye opener , than for this great lesson.

[@jteichma]

Great lesson! Thanks

[@Jesterfizz]

Thank you. I now understand caged.

[@xXitalian15]

could someone explain to me why some of the Triads are played without the third but an extra fifth? I thought a chord had to compose of a root third and a fifth but in your Top of D shape for example, you are playing two roots and two fifths.. it still sounds like the basis of the chord but it sounds high from the added fifth

[@steven2809]

Justin Ionescu Exactly! That’s why you need proper barre chords.....which he can’t play 🙄

[@patriciarussell6683]

Thank YOU! I'm finally starting to understand the rationale

[@matthiasrohkostkanal6406]

Great teachings ... as always.

[@1cleandude]

Very good practical application lesson thanks again! When I first started caged I was using all notes of each chord. Wrong and hurtful to my hand and progress!🙏🏻

[@janettdaniel]

Thanks Brian, this is very enlightening, can you show how to put scales to these chords

[@pajamarock]

llike to see that 2

[@stringman509]

Great lesson Brian thanks coin