The CAGED System Explained For Guitar

[@Sammywhat]

Because of GTs teaching, I can actually "see" what other guitar players are doing on the fretboard. Scales, chords, and arpeggios - all of it. It's because everything they play is always within these shapes. What a blessing you are, Mr. Trapp!! An absolute treasure. 💎😉👍

[@Mallory...Weiss.]

Can you please share all these shapes and explain how to change them into music? Knowing arppegio, scale and shape is not enough. Cant find the complex course teaching this stuff.

[@Sammywhat]

@@Mallory...Weiss. Hi friend! How long have you been playing guitar? Maybe I can help. The "shapes" are the "cowboy" chords in the first position (first three frets). Do you know the chords, C, A, G, E, and D in the first position? Let me know and I'll try to help from there.

[@mojodojo5533]

The simplest songs in this man's hands sre magic.

[@budrizzo8167]

Uncle Larry was right. You are the new Hank Garland! GT whenever you pick up and telecast for us pure joy and music fills the air. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the musical knowledge you share with us.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Take any simple open position cowboy cord song. Move the chords up to fifth fret, tenth fret, wherever.. And using the same chord shapes (CAGED), figure out how to play the open position songs. That helped me a lot. I spent FAR TOO LONG just playing C chords up the neck in the five caghed shapes... Awesome video, GT!

[@jamieb7799]

Lightbulb moment about the CAGED shapes in the key of “C” all being C chords 💡I feel stupid but boy does that make sense now 👍😀🙏 I’ve watched a lot of videos on CAGED and no-one has ever said that and I don’t understand why? but thank you 🙏

[@Nozmo_King_NJ]

Feel like I'm in church. Thanks GT! God bless East Nashville!

[@MartyVenit]

Thank you for all you do for us!! You are so appreciated!! Marty

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@alq2868]

It’s just mind boggling how fast GT can link the different chord and phrasing elements in his playing. Guy is bursting with creativity so let’s support him best we can.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you so much.

[@andyg1245]

I think I like melodies the best. Beats, grooves, harmonies, phrases, and rhythms are cool too. What a cool sense we have of sound.

[@TrevorrNourse]

Guthrie - thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks for listening!

[@larrypeyton797]

Hey Guthrie love your playing man. Hoping to get to see you live sometime next year in Nashville. I was wondering if you think in terms of modes at all when you're playing? You seem to have an endless supply of ideas are they all derived from the CAGED method? Anyways thanks for the inspiration. I am doing your course on Artistworks also. Love it!

[@bk1bennett]

This is a video containing material that I know and have known for a long time. This is also a video of GT’s proficiency that I will never know.

[@noelmcmahon4566]

Greeting from way down under in extreme south west Nashville and an Aussie learning his triads thanks to GT

[@johnthursfield3056]

It really nice to hear someone else say they only change strings when they absolutely need to! I keep mine on, like you, until they play out of tune. Fantastic intro btw

[@HughAllison]

I love the head shakes with the vibrato. Even something so simple- playing and feeling it.

[@nearlysteviedan1275]

Good on ya GT. You just cheered up a miserable rainy morning in the UK. 🎸💥

[@roberttaylor7640]

Between you and uncle Larry, you’ve helped me look at the guitar completely differently. Thanks 👍

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@coraliefontesdeaguiar2333]

Oh Dear God above ! This impro was just unbelievable. Thank You man !

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lakestir]

The tone you have in your fingers is amazing.

[@CharlesTokyo]

If you want something done, give it to a busy person. Thanks for all the lessons you share with us GT.

[@cvachon7]

Brilliant player. Gifted teacher. Not often that you see someone who can do both so well.

[@jrflattop]

Holy crap, what an opening. I don’t know how you outdo yourself every time. Thank you for all you have provided for us. Personally, every lesson you do gives me days of practice and maybe I should say weeks. Enjoy all that comes your way as you deserve it all. Never apologize for being busy and earning a living. My signed CD and T-shirt are on the way. Love you guys.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Wow, thank you!

[@jerrythomas9041]

Man you inspire me with your beautiful playing and your energy GT. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. If you do a new record, don't be neutered...play with your style, creativity and ENERGY! 🙏

[@bluespower1961]

Wow, Your a Gifted man! I think that was all over G Mixolydian basically. Im sure someone will say im clueless. Ya so. But all that music based around 1 chord. Insane.

[@charlesvachon5838]

I think I see the forest for the trees Guthrie ...finally this thick skull of mine gets it! ...now I just need to practice ...thanks.🎸

[@jeffreywinsor350]

Man I'm learning so much from you Guthrie! Working pentatonics from the CAGED positions, working triads, arpeggios, scales dominant 5. Just great stuff.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Great to hear!

[@stratocumulusnimbostratus328]

Would dearly love a vid on just how you hold the pick and how to get that wrist motion love you ❤

[@seanmurray976]

GT - I would absolutely LOVE to hear a trio of you, Uncle Larry and Jed in the Shed. Thank you for this insight into the CAGED. So many videos out there over complicating this - but yours was refreshingly easy explained and demonstrated. I personally found helpful my man. Thank you very much for your valuable time into this. Amen on being tired compared to burnt out.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks a bunch man!

[@MTownB615]

Love that version of You are My Sunshine! Dang, GT it’s just awesome! Glad you busy and I’m Grateful that y’all take the time to share the knowledge! It’s beyond words how helpful it is and that’s the truth. BTW I would love to a hear You Unc and Jed do an album! I believe y’all would definitely have the songs! Y’all are on fire! Strike while it’s hot brother. Respect. All the best. ❗️💯🎵💯🙏💯🙏🌆❗️

[@ThenIllBeHappy]

10:00 awesome! Thanks a lot 👍🏼

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you liked it!

[@renatotavares7079]

Man, you are such a fantastic guitar player…. It’s a pleasure to learn from you!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@Guitaural.]

Great tips Guthrie!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelgiordano6490]

You’ve made me a way better player! Great to see you back on here!!!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@Blueslurch]

I've been playing guitar since the mid-80s and have always thought CAGED was unnecessary. But it's a real eye-opener, all the gaps are slowly filling up now. Thank you for recommending this so strongly in your videos 👍

[@Pete-Fisher]

Thank you Guthrie! A whole lotta people are going to be saying "Aaah, I get it now!". I think the E, A and D shapes are easier to get your head around. The C and G shapes are a bit trickier. Found myself exploring them via Hendrix's songs, a completely different world...

[@guthrietrappmusic]

You're very welcome!

[@ryanschramek322]

Many thanks for all you do GT! I have learned so much from these amazing lessons. Can't say enough. Your authenticity & honesty when you play is paramount. Love you brother ✌️

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Much appreciated!

[@Ten2More]

I really enjoy the way you play, buddy.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@stacielapointe8479]

Thanks Guthrie! Been watching a couple of years and working with the caged system because of your guidance. Leaps and bounds is all I need to say. 40 years now and still progressing.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Fantastic!

[@jojacool]

Super !

[@DavidBoyd-u7v]

What a beautiful rendition of this classic. Thank you! You inspire me to take the time to practice daily so that I might one day have a fraction of your ability to traverse the fretboard as you so beautifully do!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

You can do it!

[@christopherfryda]

You're awesome GT!

[@kristofer603]

Impressive.

[@abnerlook3869]

Thank you once again GT🙂

[@guthrietrappmusic]

You're welcome

[@GreatbarrierislandtourismCoNz]

You're a good bugger mate. Appreciate you big time GT

[@kieranoloughlin]

Hi Guthrie perhaps you have covered it but maybe do lesson on the association between the shapes of the caged system and the patterns of the major and minor pentatonic scales. Just a thought, thoroughly enjoying your work. Cheers !!

[@JohnnieCorner]

Thanks, really helpful concepts.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@randalltindall7340]

I LOVE IT GT!!! Keep the tidbits coming and THANKS!!!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks! Will do!

[@davidhoxit4274]

You are a fretboard wizard! Long time fan....many thanks‼️🔥‼️🔥‼️🔥

[@guthrietrappmusic]

You're welcome!

[@capivaraverde]

Thanks for taking your time to share your amazing musicianship with all of us! You Rock!!! All the best!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

My pleasure!

[@wardwilson7038]

So melodic!

[@masonshirley4051]

Man, these lessons and ideas are indispensable for me now. Total transformation in my playing. Thanks again for taking the time to make these videos.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@CollieDog70]

Nice. CAGED is just a way of showing and remembering how you can play a single chord in different places with five different fingering shapes, and how those shapes connect together in order, as you ascend the fretboard. And those shapes are named for shapes of the open C A G E and D chords. It sounds obvious, but it took me a while to realise that the name of the shape, and the name of the chord you're playing, are different things. The letter in CAGED tells you the shape, and which fret you play it at tells you the actual chord. So basically what you said 🙂 P.S. Awesome improv!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Exactly 👍

[@marcterencemckenna]

It's 5.50 am here in Wales. I just sneezed in the shower getting ready for work and trapped a nerve behind my left lung (just imagine that sound for a moment - the sneeze followed by the cry of pain all with perfect tiled reverb). Struggling to get dressed so called in sick ! This lesson right here is the 'tonic' I need. Thank you man.😂

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Good lord!! Be careful

[@marcterencemckenna]

@@guthrietrappmusic 😂 im good to go, but thank you. Thought it might be worth sharing !

[@Bond-dy6cb]

GT kicks ass!

[@dynamicalan]

Hay GT, A really great video - I will have to slow this down and practice it step by step but I think it could be an initial breakthrough! Thank You!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

You can do it!

[@specialed.2461]

Thank you Guthrie - you keep me (and thousands of other guitar pickers) inspired.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Great to hear!

[@petercontarino646]

Thank you for another great video GT. You have an inexhaustible amount of ideas.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you like them!

[@Mtn603]

Really nice intro playing GT 👍👍

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks for the visit

[@marcterencemckenna]

" I guess I could use the Dennis Quaid poster" 😂😂 GT you are making me laugh today (it hurts). Don't worry. I have my piece of paper😂.

[@greyguy69]

Thank you G.T. have learned alot from your videos

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@blakecouey633]

Appreciate this video man! You're giving me a different way of looking at things. Very useful

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@matteospqr86]

Love you Guthrie! When is the new TrueFire course coming out?

[@seankincaid6791]

Keep up the good work and vibes homie

[@seanallen7804]

Thank you so much for everything Guthrie!

[@MrAmboina58]

I love your talent

[@skintslots]

I've heard it being more accurately described as EDCAG because that is the order of the first set of open chords and find this a more useful way of thinking of it. Once you know the basic CAGED shapes in the caged form you can also shorten them and that is where it becomes extremely useful in my opinion. It's taken me around 5 years since starting to realise this and it's only the tip of the iceberg as the scales are also locked into it too and that's where my work is needed.

[@dlmyrs]

Thank you for that beautiful rendition of You Are My Sunshine, Guthrie. And just got my CD shipping notification today! And thanks for today’s lesson.

[@Ron-wf1tt]

Just bought your new album with Tom trough Apple, man, amazing tracks. So different from what you both playing on your chanells. keep doing what you'r doing (you both). i love you man.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tetsuyama5116]

Time 11:XX - Got it. Too many folks nuke it…

[@Otisleevonridge]

Thank you Guthrie for sharing your talent you are a great guitarist and an inspiration! Thanks again! PS just ordered your CD with uncle Larry and can’t wait!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@billhodgesguitar]

Thanks for all the great videos. I really appreciate it.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you like them!

[@scottcurry4116]

Another nice video! I learn more each time and it makes me want to play.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@tetsuyama5116]

ThankQ again GT !!! Cheers from Thailand !!! 😎🇺🇸🇹🇭🇺🇸⚓️🎸✅☕️😸🤠😎

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you too!

[@tracyredding]

You are my sunshine! Have been for years. I just enjoy you on a guitar sooo much. Rock on

[@jamesgarcia7955]

8:37 am Thanks Guthrie. I’m getting closer to understanding that the positions as they relate to CAGED. They are sequential and there is an order to them. It’s seems like a lot of things to remember depending on what key. Next is what is the importance of the different shapes same key? Those are root notes I need to memorize? Example, why is the G shape important key of D? Is the G shape showing me the correct notes to play or that are relevant in the key of D?

[@brandonyoungrrt]

02:25 sounds like Clair de lune… I wish I knew how to do that

[@benallmark9671]

Ya don't get that beautiful clean tone out of a Tonex y'all.

[@Mpcoluv]

You are putting some wear on that Danocaster Tele. Is Dan going to make a GT signature model?

[@billm6580]

Thanks Guthrie! Great video, another one with tips on how to actually practice the CAGED system would be awesome. Would you suggest learning the 1,4,5 in the same position for each key?

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Eventually. But first all open keys up the neck in the 5 shapes (inversions)

[@tefenstrat]

Hey Guthrie, Recently you said you were on the hunt for a really nice Gibson accustic guitar. FYI, Emerald city guitars in Seattle has some really nice ones for sale. Maybe you can check them out on thier website ( and no I dont work for Emerald city guitars) I just bought a 1962 Fender Stratocaster from them and saw the Gibsons . BTW, just to give you an idea of what they have, the day before I was there, John Mayer bought a 62 strat from them. Dang it, I just missed meeting him......lol

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks a bunch man! I’ll check that out 👍

[@CrunchyOver9k]

hey brother, any recommendations for tele pickups? also, congrats on the album, stellar stuff

[@cookiemonster5281]

👏🙏

[@Mr.Krinkle]

Love your lessons GT! Is it possible to focus on some right hand stuff? Hybrid/flat picking, muting etc? Cheers-

[@JK-up7vz]

A great musical way of practicing CAGED is with the song Hey Joe. It has all the chords. ( C G D A E ) Start with C in C shape and stay as close as possible on the neck playing the other chords. Then move to C in A shape and do the same. It’s cool if you also play that little lick in E at the end, every time in a different position. A really fun way to practice this.

[@dell982]

thats the name for your band! BUKOTRAPP

[@woofcity6307]

“Tom Trapp and the Guthrie Bukovac’s” is what i always hear in my head…

[@sonnypleasantone]

Set playback speed at warp 2x, engage. 🌞

[@jeffro.]

Thanks! But... 'snot confusing, GT! The "chord" is the notes ya play, and ya does it with the finger "shape." Who's confused by that? As long as you simply say, "Im making the A chord using the C shape." Or whatever it is. Just don't mis-speak the chord and the shape. It's all up to whomever is speaking. Y"know? Great to hear you play, BTW. You always sound good. Thanks for sharing your talent! I aleays look forward to your videos. I hope the next one isn't focused on stark beginner players, though. 👍👍👍

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

Hey brother - when is your new course coming out? The people wanna know

[@mrelmoresmusiclab]

Nice brother nice! I just made a video on how to build triads from the major scale. Love your stuff man. YT is a grind and life is busy for sure. :)

[@tombeatty4792]

In the beginning, I'm listening closely and thinking, with practice, maybe I could do that. Then you had to get all fancy on me.

[@emilychanfan]

Is the intro When the World's on Fire, You are my Sunshine, or This Land is Your Land? Either way, sounds great.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Sunshine

[@emilychanfan]

@@guthrietrappmusic Gotta be honest, I was leaning towards World, given your roots.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

I had a really good question for you and now I can’t remember it! Ugh. Well, Cheers from Zürich, anyway.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Next time!

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

@@guthrietrappmusic Thanks for your understanding. 😄

[@jimrichards9072]

He’s the magic muffin . lol

[@alanbarrentine2039]

Ive been doing this all my life but never really thought of it as caged just chord shapes and inversions is the way I thought of it

[@carterrodriquez7494]

Dennis Quaid poster?!

[@rbull7777]

I think people get confused because it's referred to as a "system." It's not a "system" for playing the guitar. It's just a way of organizing the triads on the neck.

[@cathalwhelehan3216]

Often wondered the same. It should be a the caged circle as it works the same as the circle of fifths. It just goes round in circles.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

It’s just the chords up the neck! It’s not anything but that. Haha

[@mrboogaloo862]

15:30 GT: "That's a drastic horrible example cus I played a lot of wrong notes". ME: "Dude you should hear what's going on over here at my end". 👀🤣 Great stuff as always brother, thank you!

[@skullheadwater9839]

C'mon Man, I bought the "In Stereo" Vinyl because I thought that was the special edition, now 3 months later we get another limited release, geez. I don't own a CD player anymore tbh. I only have multiple record players, reel to reel tape recorder/players and I have a few cassette decks. I actually do not have a CD player anymore.

[@JJPsyc]

Is this Uncle Larry's "The Secret?"😁

[@clemclemson9259]

pretty close..... and VERY important. The secret was a little more about chords on inside strings

[@guthrietrappmusic]

@@clemclemson9259it’s all the same thing.

[@clemclemson9259]

yep- thanks again brother

[@massarelladad7185]

I Heard it start and started laughing because I knew the title would make perfect sense to the caged system

[@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?

[@djh6970]

Guthrie, I’ve heard you emphasising finger position being important several times but I don’t understand what you mean. Could you please do a video to explain this🙏

[@jmwise80]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2OYmGtsl7B0l7Mfeature=shared

[@jmwise80]

Just in case KZbin eats my link……search for “Guthrie Trapp left hand position” Should be first in line.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

When you play these chords your in the proper position.

[@djh6970]

@@guthrietrappmusicahh, I see. So where your fingers fall making the caged chord shapes, you keep your finger in that position to play the scales😀