This is Why the CAGED System Doesn't Make Sense (for some people)

[@zombieguitar]

If you like these lessons, definitely check out www.zombieguitar.com/ It is a one-of-a-kind site dedicated to helping guitarists to understand the fretboard and create their own music. You will love it!!

[@bradt.3555]

I never learned the "caged" system but realized just like with say an e chord, then barre it up the neck, if you take another chord shape and move it up the neck you'll find an e again and so on and so on. And for solos never learned "boxes". I learned two diagonal patterns that can move to different spots for different keys. Then just add and subtract notes here and there that sound cool. Eventually you learn what works. No internet 50 yrs ago.

[@michaelsmusic3532]

Same here about trial and error 40+ years ago - no internet lol

[@azku]

Cool. Can u explain more on the diagonal pattern?

[@chills2447]

So cool

[@megarxidas17]

Read my post get the book i mention

[@bradt.3555]

@@azku Sorry, never replied. It's basically part of a box then move up a step then another part of a box and so on. Just never knew what "boxes" were. Pretty much picked it up from watching Alvin Lee. Remember a video some 30+ yrs ago him talking about it, of course it was a TV show, no utube at that time. Utube kinda kills learning it for yourself which I think helps you develop your own style. Buddy of mine has learned all kinds of solo's to ton's of song's but still really struggles improvising. I am the opposite, I have trouble learning note for note solo's but can improvise over almost anything.

[@dalegraham8235]

Never cease to amaze how simply you break things down. My playing has advanced so much, and a lot of that is because of your videos. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@erikcalonius6599]

As others have said, Brian, you're a great teacher! What I particularly enjoyed in this lesson was when you played the C-scale on top of three different progressions (at 6:33). Most teachers would stop at what sounds RIGHT. But you continued on to show us what things sound like when they are WRONG. That turns a straightforward demonstration into a lightbulb moment! Thanks for being so wise.

[@kagenotatsumaki]

It showed me that my ears are weird and liked all 3... Though I see why demo 1 would sound best to most people lol

[@bradreid6057]

Brian, you really are a standout guitar instructor, no doubt about it. Funny how people have these "aha" learning moments. Two I'll share for beginners. If one knows where the notes are on the fretboard, let's use C, the string it is found on gives you the chord shape. So, C on the B string will be played using the D form; a C on the G string, an A form; on the D string, an E form . . . and so on. Learn a few note positions and you automatically know the chord shapes (CAGED) just based on what string it occupies. One other? When you bar a chord, your bar finger will tell you what shape applies to which chord. So, If you bar the 3rd fret, your finger covers the G note on the 6th low E string, so a G is played using the E shape; and, your bar finger also covers the C note on the A string, so the C bar chord is played using the A shape; and, your bar finger covers the F note on the D string, so the F bar chord is played using the D shape. Whatever note your bar finger covers is played using the shape based on the name of the string. These discoveries helped me some.

[@joeurbanowski321]

WHOA..!!! Very cool..!!

[@grievouserror]

Thank you! Seriously. About a year in and I've seen many, many videos on the CAGED system. Exactly as you described, I found the concept of moving chord shapes around the neck pretty easy to grasp. More elusive was why so many find CAGED so transformative. Having another approach to explaining why it matters, especially one as well done as yours, is supremely helpful. I might not be there yet, but I feel I have a better idea of where I'm going.

[@zombieguitar]

Awesome!! Glad you liked it!!

[@SergeiVlassov]

I learned about CAGED system after 15 years of playing lead guitar in different projects and different styles ) Of coarse I played all across the neck, and used different shapes. I just never learned by the book or teacher, so I was not aware of the concept of the CAGED system, but still I used all those shapes.

[@harrynutz4550]

As new as I am to the guitar, this really helped, thank you. I’m 57 and just learning

[@wewereborn2beloved]

So glad you've addressed this about the caged system. I understood the concept early on but never really "got" it when it comes to helping you solo across the fretboard. I think this is going to clear that up for me.

[@colyvor2283]

Great explanation! In my opinion, there´s a problem with beginners´ expectations about solo/improvising. Improvising has to be intuitive, somehow spontaneous. They often feel like theory/intellectual knowledge is rather supressing than helpful for them. The idea is, improvising intuition has to "just happen" somehow. But then it doesn´t... In fact, this intuition is a result of experience, related to both ear training and knowledge. To get there, playing and analyzing given solos (add vocal melodies, too) is the best way to start imho. Adding ornaments and variations in melody and rhythm will come automatically when it´s time for it. On this basis, intuitive improvisation will "just happen", indeed. Learning shapes/patterns on the fretboard helps to analyze, visualize and to let common fingerings on the fretboard sink into the brain/muscle memory. But as a fast startup to great improvising they don´t work.

[@smoothpicker]

I wish I had you as a teacher when I started learning 40 years ago!! I would have gotten a lot further than I have. My first teacher just showed me chords and how to play songs. I thought that was great till I got older and realized I have no idea about music fundamentals. So I quit for about 20 years. Decided to pick it up again a couple years ago and have made a lot of progress thanks to your teaching style. Better late than never!! Thank you so much!

[@Phoboss32]

Brian, I tried so many (free and paid) courses on guitar theory but yours is absolutely the best I’ve found so far. You really understood the disconnection point of beginner/intermediate players regarding the CAGED system and showcased it by very well made examples.

[@zombieguitar]

Hey thanks a lot! I'm glad to hear the lessons have been helping for ya 😀

[@stevevallance6326]

I’m realizing I have to build on lessons and watch them a few times. The lightbulb usually goes on after a couple views. You explain this the best by the way. Steve

[@isaacjohnson.]

This was a really great explanation. So many eye openers here, and you are 100% right Brian-"context". Good suggestion at the end too-learn to play the chord progressions, then play the corresponding scale first, THEN learn how to focus on each chords notes or chord tones. Well done.

[@hanskung3278]

For me CAGED is Everything, it provides a skeletal frame work for learning everything else, by learning the arpeggios it's easy to add the 2nd and 6th, then the 4th and 7th.

[@zombieguitar]

Yes CAGED is amazing. I agree 😎

[@hannaobrc1947]

Same for me. CAGED triads, core tones, all other notes 2, 4, 6 ,7 are passing notes to arive to next chord.When u grasp the CAGED it opens totaly new word..at lest did 4 me.Great lesson Brian.

[@hanskung3278]

@@hannaobrc1947 Why are some against caged?

[@Kloverhendrix]

@@hanskung3278 because they think they know everything

[@martynspooner5822]

Well explained Brian, it is everything to know what key you are in. If you have played for a while it is a no brainer but everything makes sense when you know but it is a big hassle if you don't and I was one who didn't for much too long.

[@napnap609]

Thanks for helping demystify this, makes total sense. I've watched a few videos but none used their words correctly to explain; you do though. Looking forward to your full video on the system.

[@ianrichardson3968]

Gotta say that is the best caged explanation I've seen. Most explain the caged "idea", but not so much the why. Or where and how it fits with everything else. Best word in the entire video..? Context. It took me years to cobble this lot together..in the right order..and then correct the cock ups... And many caged "lessons" would, if I hadn't got it figured out, leave me more ruddy confused than when I started. Over the years as I learned more music theory I began calling it scale theory instead. Because it makes more sense to me that way. It's why scales exist to my way of thinking. One other thing I really like in your videos is that circle of 4ths and 5ths is nearly always used, it's up there on the screen. Ruddy thing is branded in me brain cells now..what's left of 'em. I think it's the best thing in the theory once you understand it.

[@rajennaidoo7]

Thank you Brian.Makes sense to me.Please do a basic lesson on how to transition in time with a simple 1,4,5 in 4/4 at first.The swinging 8/syncopated timing for rhythm & soloing comes naturally to me in blues solo & rhythm.I naturally gravitate to that.It's this classic rock/pop soloing that I am grappling with.I have most of the 'tools' for melodic soloing under my belt but transitioning in time sets me in panic mode and I mess up although I can seamlessly transition from chord to chord.I thank you in anticipation.To date( I stand to be corrected),NO tutor has done this fundamentally basic lesson..I have trolled you tube & internet.I am immensely grateful to every tutor though,who selflessly share their knowledge.

[@zombieguitar]

I will be doing lessons on rhythm and transitions between different types of rhythms in the very near future, so I will definitely re-visit this. Until that time comes though....let me ask you, are you familiar with working in a DAW. The absolute #1 most useful tool that I have ever found to help me with rhythm is a DAW. I highly suggest Reaper!

[@ianrichardson3968]

To answer that question it's a no. I have guitars that need nothing other than me. I have guitars which need to be plugged into an amp of some description, through an odd pedal or three. Plugging the thing into a laptop, however you do that, is more buggerin' about than I want. And more expense probably. I guess I'm old school..

[@zombieguitar]

@@ianrichardson3968 I was actually replying to the other commenter above, not to your original comment. But this is what my view on a DAW is for the purpose of learning rhythm - You actually don't have to plug your guitar into the computer at all. You can just simply use the DAW as a training tool to help you understand complex rhythms. You just simply look at the grid and see how the kick, snare and hi hat hits fall into the grid. This whole "visualizing what is happening" in the rhythm section right in front of your eyes helped me A LOT!! Sure, you can also plug your guitar in there too if you want, but just the process of sitting down and writing out different rhythms, in different time signatures, and mixing/matching them together will give you an education on rhythm that otherwise may not be possible. Just a suggestion 😉

[@ianrichardson3968]

Hi Brian, I get your reply wasn't to my comment but at least I now know you don't have to plug into your laptop..old school like I say. I have watched a few channels where they go over using this thing but to be honest it just confused me. Having said that though as I can download one for free I might as well do that and see what's what. Maybe I'll get on with it ok. I'm assuming I can plug it into an amp or something..with the speakers on my laptop I'll hear nothing..

[@patrickedgmon7988]

Right on, thanks. The group of 6 is cool, I still don’t get it completely but, a light went on for writing songs and which chords to pick. Wow!🎉

[@Ray-Angel]

Learning CAGED was an epiphany for me. I had all the pieces but didn't see the image of the puzzle and once I did it was like someone turned on the lights in a dark room.

[@robinanderson1115]

MY FAVORITE TEACHER, MAKES EVERYTHING SOOOOOOOOOOOOO SIMPLE.

[@frankfvdv]

Thanks! This explanation fitted exactly to me!!! Perfect! Before this I saw an explanation of the maior key notes 1, 4 and 5th and the relative minors (6th). Together make all the sense. Knew the cage system and the minor and maior scales, but didn't know how to combine and apply these yet. But now I can go forward exercising! 🎉

[@nicolewilliams3024]

This is absolutely brilliant- the circle of fifths explanation for the correct key to play in really hit home- well done!

[@tavistaylor1811]

Best videos on KZbin for music theory in general; you make every concept in an easy to digest format

[@goodgoat3096]

I just had to say thanks for the many logical lessons that you have posted on youtube. I never really understood the circle of fifths or exactly why notes "worked" while playing a lead break over a chord progression. Learning at 73, thanks again.

[@shawnowen2902]

Thank you this video is right at one of my roadlocks.You are a much treasured friend.

[@brianmincher716]

It’s wild to me how there are so many guitar teachers named Brian, and yet here I sit, a Brian who has owned guitars for many years who still sucks playing guitar. I’m gonna find one of these Brian’s out here to teach me how to suck less on the guitar.

[@zombieguitar]

🤣🤣🤣

[@matthewcantu3127]

I ALWAYS have questions about ANYTHING i tryout, I’m super glad I came across this vid as I’ve recently found out ab the caged system and this vid helped answer my questions, THANK YOU

[@brewmasterflex3425]

Another amazing video Brian I needed this one as this right where I’m at.

[@dannyadkins4212]

I can honestly say u 1 hell of teacher u got me playing stuff never thought I could thanks

[@zombieguitar]

Thanks for the words Danny! Glad to hear that these vids are helping for ya 😁

[@MostlyBuicks]

I learned this before I ever picked up a guitar. But that did not help me move around the fingerboard when I did. I was obsessed with staying in a certain key, and I could only find those notes by drawing diagrams. 50 years later I am STILL struggling. But I am a pretty good at setting up a guitar. I am far more mechanically oriented than musically oriented.

[@philjames1019]

Brian Kelly is an infuriating teacher .... just when I've caught up with recent lessons, completed any necessary homework, and have some spare time on my hands to go out and meet my mates for a few cold beers.... he very selfishly releases yet another new video/lesson that I feel compelled to watch and learn .... and I have to call all my mates to cancel the beers. LOL!!! Don't worry, I'm only joking ... another awesome lesson from "The Professor", and on one of my favourite subjects. I'll second his claim that watching his video "9 Steps To Fully Understand The CAGED System" is an absolute must .... definitely the best 47 minute tutorial you will ever see on the subject. Thoroughly enjoyed this video, and experienced yet more lightbulb moments .... my electric bill is going through the roof!!! Thanks again Brian .... keep up the fantastic work.

[@zombieguitar]

🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the words Phil. I'm glad you are digging these lessons, and have been for all this time now. I really appreciate you following along!

[@daveallsopp4394]

Haha, I thought I was the only one missing out on a few cold beers with the lads Phil 🍺 I too can’t stop watching Brian’s videos. I learn more in an hour with Brian than a couple of weeks elsewhere. Keep up the great work that you do Brian 👍🏻 we can grab a beer anytime, eh Phil 👍🏻🇬🇧🎸

[@philjames1019]

@@daveallsopp4394 Ha ha!! Too true Dave, and you're correct, he's an awesome teacher ... but just to make sure this doesn't happen again, I've put a few Guinness in the fridge!! (Old boy scout and all that) LOL!!

[@daveallsopp4394]

Phil James 😂😂 I’ve been trying to get my head around the ‘CAGED’ system for the last 2hrs, think I’m getting it now. I’m in the fridge buddy ‘Hobgoblin’ here we come 😂🎸🇬🇧

[@alansmyth2204]

Phil James beers in no problem lolololo

[@danh7739]

This video is an absolute must; put your guitar down and watch this video. Your entire view of playing will be changed. Great stuff/no bull. This and the next video will show you where you are, what you have to do, and how to get there.

[@martinmcgimpsey9750]

Thanks Brian! Awesome lesson! You’ve been so helpful!

[@indasonic9470]

Why am i only finding this channel now? I've studied so many videos and courses (some even paid) and this is BY FAR the best explanation of what CAGED is and how to apply it. Thank you brother, i am definitely checking out that 45 minute video you refer to. Also, am sure this has prob been referenced a hundred times before, but I'm 'new' so I'll hide behind that - when i close my eyes you sound like Adam Sandler (I like Adam Sandler so I hope you dont take this as a slight!!). Thanks again!!

[@zombieguitar]

Haha I get the Adam Sandler thing all the time here on KZbin 🤣

[@dariodelfrate7399]

Very much needed: clear, sharp, simple. Keep up with your exceptional work. Thanks

[@mikecampbell6011]

As always, an exceptional explanation Brian.

[@MindDezign]

So Brian what your saying is the CAGED system works after a guitar player. A ,learns every note on every string. And B ,memorizes the Circle of fifths wheel. Your explanation of the circle of fifths and scales in many years of playing guitar is the first time I've heard this. So I thank you.

[@zombieguitar]

Well, in my "9 steps to fully understanding the CAGED system" lesson, you only need to know the notes on the low E, A and D strings. Of course, the more you know the better. So I will never suggest not to learn all the notes. However in order to understand and apply the CAGED system, it is not a prerequisite. Here is a link to that lesson if you want to check it out: www.zombieguitar.com/blog/9-steps-to-fully-understanding-the-caged-system

[@wm.p.callahan979]

Thanks Brian for looking out for us🎸players,..........

[@signmanmatt]

As usual, clear and concise instruction from Brian. Thank you. I really admire your teaching style and the depth of knowledge you posess. Not to mention your finger skills on the fretboard. No extraneous, unrelated commentary to empower your ego. So humble and patient. You speak your truth and that is your power. I'm sure there is a story behind the name of your channel? That has me curious?

[@zombieguitar]

Hey thanks Matt! I'm glad you are liking the vids 😁. Zombie Guitar is the name of my website, my life's work. The KZbin channel is just a preview of the real deal!! My thinking was that there would eventually so many videos, and so much content...that you'd find yourself staying up all hours of the night, eventually entering a zombie-like state of mind. Weird goals I know 🤣🤣🤣

[@signmanmatt]

@@zombieguitar Brian, I am definitely going to join your site as a member, but you are selling yourself short. I can't believe you don't have a patreon site? Please think about getting one. You deserve more compensation for your time and energy. You have 104k subscribers on youtube. If one quarter of them subscribed on Patreon at the 2 dollar level you would make approx. 25k per month gross. Then you could make more videos. Youve got the skill! Good luck!

[@zombieguitar]

I appreciate it!! I've been thinking about doing a patreon page. Maybe one of these days I will 😀

[@shivambhatnagar9473]

Thank you for this sir, you have my respect. I learnt hotel California from you and since then i have learnt many things from you. Thanks again.😊

[@frankswildyear]

I just started your course, it's awesome! Thank you Brian

[@zombieguitar]

Thank you very much!! 😁

[@carnacthemagnificent2498]

Your channel is great, like your content and your style. I learned about CAGED in the early '90s and just thought it was an shorthand way to learn the five boxes. It does that. And for 30 years that was all it was to me. More recently I've learned that top players use it very differently. They play in a position and pull in the appropriate CAGED shape that matches the chord being played. So in essence they are changing to a different key but like you showed here, if it matches the chord so it still sounds good as long as they change again for the next chord. My mental processing still isn't quick enough to say "next chord is a B major. quick find a B and let's see, that's on the 5th string at this location so use the C shape now! Next chord is an A-major so at this location that's on the sixth string so switch to G shape next!" Still lots of work ahead of me before that happens.

[@zombieguitar]

Hey glad you liked the video! Keep in mind that when you are playing in one single area of the neck and playing the nearby CAGED shape for the underlying chord at hand, that does not necessarily mean that you are changing keys. It simply means that you are focusing on the chord tones of that specific chord. If all of the chords from the progression are from the same key, then focusing on the nearby chord shapes of each chord will not take you out of the key! First step always: look at the chord progression that you are soloing over 😁

[@blackie5566]

Brian thank you so much: you opened my eyes. Exactly this is the thing I always didn't understand till today and thanks to you. You are a great teacher! Thanks a million!!

[@rectify2003]

Perfect video, I Haven’t got a clue what the goal is. I have followed you for a long time for this channel I very rarely comment but thank you Stay safe

[@williamjensen7365]

I have watched a few of Brian's video's and also subscribe and think he is a very good teacher, expresses the basics very well. I started on a classical guitar decades ago and my very short lesson period expressed the importance of the Major scale and the modes. The best foundation until you get into other scale types not based on the Major scale pattern. Even when getting into the harmonic and melodic minor scales you can relate back to how they are altered from the Major (Ionian) scale. I did not learn boxes or patterns but whole step half scales. I am not sure when the Caged system emerged but I can understand where people can get lost. I only looked it it for relating beginners to chord shapes, though I am not a teacher. I do always like to note that mentioning a minor scale can be confusing to some without noting Pure minor or Aeolian. Cheers!

[@jfrsnlg]

Wow! Thank you so much for this one. Just the one I’m looking for! God bless you more man! Super appreciated this!

[@everettsmith6788]

These lessons are awesome. You make it easier to understand even the hardest parts of guitar theory.

[@SuperYt65]

Yeah i think there is something wrong with me as i liked all 3 demos.

[@johnbrasher1495]

It was just OK on 2 and 3. Not great over G and really dissonant over Bb. But live, a guitarist could have gotten away with it, especially by concentrating on Bb chord tones over Bb.

[@michaelsmusic3532]

Brian just has a way of making even a scale or demo sound cool.

[@kumarayyar5025]

Perfectly explained to the point bro. Loved listening to it. Great way of explaining.. awesome teacher you are 🙏

[@rollacoast]

This is useful video and it's needed. I struggled for ages with exactly the problem you describe and it was really difficult to find the advice that took me to the next step at the end of last year. There's not much out there as you suggest. I would suggest that the name of a video like "This is why the caged system doesn't make sense" would have made it one of the last places I would have looked to help me take the step that I eventually did after a lot of struggle.

[@zombieguitar]

Hey glad to hear you liked the vid. What do you think it should've been called? I'm always open to suggestions!

[@rollacoast]

@@zombieguitar I can only say what would have grabbed me but if I'd seen something like 'why the caged system doesn't make sense to some people' I would have thought "hey that's me" and realised it's not another video that just slags off the caged system (and there are a few out there). Thanks for taking my comment in the positive spirit that was intended. I could be wrong of course as I can only speak from my experience and opinion.

[@zombieguitar]

@@rollacoast I dig it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rollacoast]

@@zombieguitar Cool.

[@stevehowe9404]

One word..... LEGEND!!! & I mean it, Thank you Brian ❤️✌🏼👍🏻

[@guitarz99]

learn the scale shapes, in each one of those theres the caged shapes, learn those also, use both to solo and make chords , simple.

[@kevmet84]

Good review for me as it were, as I had off the top of my forgotten what the 'CAGED' system was about, the chord shapes. And it was cool in and interesting to see you echoing essentially the approach I've maintained over the years even w/o 'knowing' what the CAGED system was for a long time. Finally, researched the matter a decade or so ago and said okay, I get the jest of it as it had been a tool of mine w/o even knowing it for a while at that time. So, do hope your, what I'd consider a no nonsense approach does answer the questions posed for most of those in the need to know. 😎🤘

[@klumpytheklown3798]

Here's the deal for me. All three example sounded absolutely great to me. Example 1 had a solid major feel. #2 had a nice lydian sound. #3 had a bouncy mixolydian groove. All three examples sounded perfectly wonderful to my ears. In what way did #2 and #3 sound bad?

[@zombieguitar]

There's nothing wrong with playing what sounds good to you. I make sure that people understand the rules of diatonic theory though. That way if they choose to, they can break the rules. You can't break the "rules" unless you know them first though 😁

[@rebelquadronfpv1065]

Dude you have broken through the cage. This lesson is for people who are still imprisoned within it.

[@klumpytheklown3798]

@@rebelquadronfpv1065 Possibly. Thx!

[@zombieguitar]

@@rebelquadronfpv1065 I personally don't agree with the statement "imprisoned by the CAGED system". The location of the chord tones always remains constant. It is the context around the chord tones that changes dynamically. People can become "imprisoned" by only sticking to theory 100%, and never attempting to use out-of-key notes or chords, but the CAGED system is just pinpointing specific locations of notes on a dynamic roadmap. A good analogy would be to look at all of the cities in the US. Their location always remains constant, but there are multiple different roads that you can take to move from one city to the the next. The cities are therefore the "chord tones" (which remain constant) and the roadways would be "the scale" (which changes depending on the context) 🤘

[@klumpytheklown3798]

@@zombieguitar I totally get it now. Thank you. Sorry for the confusion.

[@jonathancapps1103]

Honestly, the last two examples don't sound bad or wrong to me. But I've been trying to pay attention to modes, extensions and borrowed chords. And I don't mind dissonance if it makes sense within a given structure. I think the C scale over Bb and D work for me because it's so heavily reinforced in the rest of the solo. Any Bs and Fs fit within the established sound of the solo and therefore work far better for me than an "accidental" wrong note. What sounded weird to me was when you changed from more linear runs to strict chord notes. Sure the notes fit, but the guiding idea behind the notes changed.

[@zombieguitar]

Ya some people do think that it still sounds good...the main point that I'm trying to get across with this video is that locating the nearest available CAGED shape doesn't dictate the "surrounding scale pattern". That is a common misconception about what the purpose of CAGED is!

[@leslawrenson9305]

Of course, one of the things you can do is play the notes for each chord as they change, and that way you never need to know or care about what scale you're playing in. Or, learn the pentatonic box associated with each chord shape (eg. Box 1 for Gmaj/Em shapes, Box 2 for Emaj/Dmin shapes, etc).

[@zombieguitar]

Be careful though. The "pentatonic box" WILL change depending on the key that you are playing in. Just for the sake of the people that read the comments, I want to make sure that point is clear. The pentatonic scale is still part of "layer 1" which is the overall key-scale of the progression that you are soloing over!

[@leslawrenson9305]

@@zombieguitar Absolutely. I don't mean to suggest that people slavishly adhere to CAGED (as I know you don't). It's always best to study, learn and understand how full scales work, how they harmonise to form the various diatonic chords, and how they correspond with the pentatonic boxes. All I mean is, if you get lost during a solo, but know the chord structure, you have the lifeline of being able to fall back on CAGED and each associated pentatonic box (for each associated chord shape), which will get you out of trouble more often than not. By the way, I never used CAGED until I watched your indepth series of lessons. Before then, I was very much into three-note-per-string shred patterns, and I have my own system for linking each of the modes to one or more of the pentatonic boxes. So, I never felt the need to use CAGED, but your videos opened my eyes to its real potential, and now I find myself using it a fair bit, even without realising it. Thank you.

[@zombieguitar]

@@leslawrenson9305 I definitely agree with your approach totally. One should definitely study and understand multiple different approaches and fully understand the chord-scale connection. However, I just saw that you did say the same thing again (and forgive me for being nit-picky here, but this specific point is EXACTLY the point that I am trying to get across in this video). When you say that "If they ever get lost, people can always fall back on the chord shapes and their associated pentatonic box"... That last quoted statement is where many people will definitely get confused if they don't understand this properly. The "associated pentatonic box" WILL change depending on the key that you are playing in. As an example. In the key of C major. The C major chord is the "I chord", and when you play the C major chord in the G-shape, it will always overlap with Pentatonic box #1. However, if you are playing in the key of F major, the C major chord is now the "V chord" in that key. If you play a C major chord in that key in the G-shape, it will now be associated with Pentatonic box #4. Or if you are in the key of G major, the C major chord is now the "IV chord". If you play a C major chord in the G-shape, it will now be associated with pentatonic box #3. In the 10-part series that you are referring to, everything was in the key of G major...and I showed how each CAGED shape had an associated pentatonic box. But again, that was just for the key of G major...Once you change keys, and the G major chord is no longer the "I chord" (along with some other common chords that are found in the new key) then the "associated pentatonic boxes" will also change for those chords. Context is everything! I just wanted to be very clear on that point since that is precisely what this video is about 😎

[@leslawrenson]

@@zombieguitar You certainly made that clear lol! Keep up the good work, my friend.

[@zombieguitar]

@@leslawrenson haha so I guess you saw the new vid huh 🤣

[@generalpopovich]

I love your videos. If I could make a suggestion, though, please put a high pass filter on your vocal mic or use a pop filter. The plosives can get quite loud.

[@zombieguitar]

Yes I do need to get a pop filter. I totally agree!

[@DirtJutter]

What held me back was the CAGED system being called the CAGED system. Odd but true. Because it's the only word you can spell by rearranging A, C, D, E and G, I thought CAGED was an intentional mnemonic rather than the actual order of shapes you need to follow if you want to play the same chord higher and higher up the neck.

[@willynilly4651]

Brian, I think you do an awesome job, keep it up. I am the advanced beginner trying to understand the next concept. Tonic chord sounds good across all, but when a chord becomes the 4th or 5th chord. Then you have to keep the 4th or 5th chord tones isolated to when that chord is used. Then switch back to tonic chord or the other chord it switched to. Otherwise the relationship/reference starting point doesn’t match and sounds off. (just like my relationship in 1998 haha) Am I on the right track? I love your teaching

[@zombieguitar]

You always need to know what key you are in. That is "the scale to use". That is "layer 1". The best-sounding notes to use within the scale are the chord tones of the underlying chord that is occurring in the rhythm section. That is "layer 2". You do sound like you are on the right track 😎

[@geoffgurney88]

Mr Kelly you are an excellent teacher

[@guitarhaven6807]

logical approach . nice work, Brian.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

I think the "problem" is also elsewhere and very much based in an excessive importance given to chords. Soloing is not about chords, it's about melody first, about singing or whistling, things that people do long before they even know what chords are. Things people did and analysed long before the very idea of chords emerged sometime in the 17th century with the advent of "tonal music". This "singing" is based on 7 note scales, not on mere selections of three chord notes that succeed each other more or less rapidly. This is what people need to learn to start soloing, then they can look at how the tonal center can move within scales.

[@zombieguitar]

I disagree. Music is all about the chords. That is the backbone of all music. Listen to any great melody line and watch how the specific notes that are chosen are more often than not chord tones of the underlying chords in the rhythm section. The scale is "the path" (layer 1), and the chord tones are the "destination" (layer 2). The chords are VERY important!

[@romandelacruz9413]

You can play the realative minor over the 1 chord too!

[@kaptenkopet]

Mind blownnn for beginner such i am. Thank you sir for explanation

[@ModernConversations]

You’re my favourite teacher

[@idragonidragon2796]

Thanks for your tutoring 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 another step in the right direction for iDragon.

[@Pablo-ft6un]

the way I see it: The beauty and the inevitability of CAGED lies within of the architecture of the guitar: There are only FIVE different possible and thinkable CAGED shapes as there are only FIVE different strings. The E is simply doubled.

[@Pedro72740]

I understand it up until solo improv. I see the shapes but I don't see how you can solo using only arrpegiated chords. I know that other notes need to be added but which ones. And then there is the minor and major mix. It takes a while to get a grasp on this after I've already figured out the caged system. But I'm only 1 min and 31 seconds into the video. Maybe you'll get to it. But that's my problem areas. It would be great if you showed some common examples of soloing over a few chord progressions. I been subscribed for years and you teach very well so I would definitely watch it. Your circle of 5ths video was a major eye opener.

[@richardanderson4037]

That helped a lot thanks mr Kelly

[@tomm5023]

The biggest issue I have with CAGED is the name itself. ‘Now play an F in the E shape’ fucks me up. The system/ concept is great, the reference to the basic open chord shapes is bad imo. I started focusing more on root notes and the numeric system. Take a note and instantly find the 3th, 5th etc in any direction. Learn this for minor, major, diminished etc…Slower and more tedious at start, but this will break you free from systems and scales and let you focus on targeting notes mindfully in chord progressions.

[@zombieguitar]

Yup that is a common alternative approach to the CAGED system. Also a very effective approach 😁

[@sundar5537]

hi . B k .well organised technical lesson, good wishes. looking forward for more videos.

[@SomeStrangemysterious]

Of course the chromatic scale has twelve notes. But what I also found interesting, when looking at your diagram of all the c-e-g’s there is exactly 12 of each of those notes over the entire fretboard. I never knew that.

[@williammorris7895]

Really interesting to hear that perhaps chord tone targeting should come later and that it's ok to just use the scale for a good while :) Great teacher

[@zombieguitar]

Yup, nothing wrong with noodling around in the scale. Get good at that first, then worry about chord tone targeting 🤘

[@williammorris7895]

Sounds like a plan! I'll keep practicing like that in various keys until there's absolutely no hesitation moving between shapes. Appreciate your response, thank you :)

[@Pedro72740]

Ok. I would have waited till the end before commenting. This did help. One question. Would those other progressions you played worked if you change the target note to the key it is in. Would that be then become a modal progression depending on the interval degree the c note was at?

[@zombieguitar]

The main point of this video is to say that CAGED is not the whole picture when it comes to soloing. You have to 1.) Know which scale(s) to use, and 2.) Know what to do on a "per-chord basis". The CAGED system is purely about #2, but a lot of people don't realize that it is a 2 layered approach. Both layers are equally as important though 😎

[@Pedro72740]

Thanks Brian. Your video on learning the key by ear using a simple pentatonic scale was the most useful video I've watched this year. I didn't really think it would be that easy until I tried it. Greatly appreciated!

[@Mulberry2000]

Brain i cannot see your replies no more, as you know i do not like the cage system however i want to learn different voicing for the guitar other than the open strings. I know a lot of chords and some that i know but cannot put a name to them. I did that by learning songs and just played a long to them and forget the chord names lol. I do know a few chords for F. I prefer the barre chord for that chord, and the barre B minor. I found them easy to do. Also picked up a C9 chord for sweet child O mine from Munson ( he is on u tube and such a great guy). So from what i can see is the cage can teaches a version of the chord, without using the barre in them. So for example i have seen chords played down the neck by using the C shape and D Shape etc. So is there chart where or a book i can see these chapes, or shall i just use the book i have on the cage system (fretboard logic). I am not closed off to the cage but case see to usage via the none barre root. Justin guitar shown something like this. Munson as i have said use a C9 in his version of Sweet child O mine, he has also great renditions of eagles songs with different A, C, and B chords. So what is your advice on them.

[@neilrobinson7615]

Very helpful. Thanks Brian.

[@Timanator]

Great lesson man, nice way to sneak a lesson in to a complaint. :)

[@bart5559]

This video really helped me! Love your channel! Are those Seymour Duncan slash humbuckers?

[@zombieguitar]

Hey thanks man! No, they are just stock classic 57s 😎

[@bart5559]

@@zombieguitar thank you for the fast repply. The guitar looks and sounds amazing. Keep up te good work! 🤘

[@davidschwartz1610]

so then are the notes in different keys such as the eminor just the same patterns moved to a different location? Because I have only seen the c major caged system I was really hoping you were going to show a different cord scale like the e minor

[@billybudd45]

You can play relative minor scale over major chord. Ex c major chord a minor scale. I think learn triads with scales

[@zombieguitar]

I replied to your other comment too...yes, everything you say is true. But there is a difference between CHORDS (which I am referring to as "layer 2" in this video) and SCALES (which I am referring to as "layer 1"). The CAGED system is about layer 2, but many people mistakenly think that it is about layer 1, which is the cause of confusion.

[@patrickhlavinka6364]

Good lesson. But tbh I thought they all sounded ok. The one over F is a little iffy. But I feel like mixolydian works fine even with a natural 5 chord as opposed to minor. Just listen to ramblin man, Allman Brothers. That was pretty common. I get the point of why you chose those 3 keys though and it is good info for beginners learning. I'm just here because I'm looking for anyone with arguments against caged system.

[@zombieguitar]

The thing is...there really shouldn't be any arguments against the CAGED system. To argue against the CAGED system would be equivalent to arguing against the existence of a roadmap of a town. You don't have to use the roadmap to navigate the town, but it still exists regardless. The CAGED system "roadmap" exists on a standard tuned guitar, regardless of whether people choose to use it or pay attention to it!

[@darrenbodnar6608]

I've been learning guitar for 20 years. I'm still terrible. I have to say I'm still confused. The question I have is how do you know what string to hit and when to make a solo? Do I need to memorize the actual sounds/pitches/tones?

[@zombieguitar]

Based on these questions you are asking, I'd say that the CAGED system is above your pay grade. Not that you aren't capable of "getting it". You absolutely are....it's just that you are trying to learn high school math without first completing elementary school math classes. This video here may be more applicable to where you are currently at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4OygZKXgbB4jKs

[@tyrelllaszlo6024]

Was wondering, what kind of mode would it be if you play the c major scale over g major? Would that make it C Dorian? Always learn a lot from your videos, you have a great way of making the information coherent and staying within the frame of what it is you want to teach. Great Video!

[@zombieguitar]

Since G major is the V chord in the key signature of C major, and Mixolydian is '5'...then playing the notes of the C major scale over the G major chord would result in a Mixolydian sound. The more chords that you have in a chord progression, the more difficult it is to get a true "modal chord progression". The progressions that I used here in the demos were just regular old progressions. Nothing fancy or "modal"!

[@tyrelllaszlo6024]

Brian Kelly Thanks for the insight and the quick reply. So that means the chord in the background dictates which mode my c major scale turns into? And how would a true mixolydian chord progressions be built up?

[@zombieguitar]

@@tyrelllaszlo6024 hey, have you seen this lesson yet? This may be what you're looking for: www.zombieguitar.com/how-to-solo-across-the-fretboard-using-modes-part-3-modal-progressions/

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Excellent lesson Brian. The title made me do a double take at first, lols.

[@zombieguitar]

🤣🤣🤣

[@davidandrews3237]

Awesome Brian 🤟🏼. We may want to be “Unchained” as musicians BUT it looks like we have to be CAGED one way or another 🎵🎵

[@zombieguitar]

Haha there's nothing confining about the CAGED system. It is just simply the location of the chord tones. It's like if you look at a map of the city that you live in. There are a bunch of roads (the scale) and a bunch of towns (the chord tones). However you choose to get from one town to the next is up to you, but that doesn't change the location of the towns. The same applies to the notes on the fretboard 😎

[@davidandrews3237]

@@zombieguitar Love your lesson(s) and tutorials.... Plus, I joked about getting a Circle of 5ths tattoo but you (apparently) beat me to it :-) My little unchained pun was about Van Halen's "Unchained" LOL.... Anyway, I am learning the roadmap of the neck and really appreciate your patience and guidance in the KZbin classroom .....

[@zombieguitar]

Ah the unchained thing went right over my head! 🤣🤣🤣

[@jasoncolap]

Great stuff bro

[@David2799100]

Great lesson, clever pitch.

[@4fretfingers528]

Brian, I have your comprehensive course. As I recall you make reference to " scalar" playing and chord chasing( not sure about the latter). What would you recommend I revisit? This phenomenon ( revisiting) seems to happen alot. Sometimes something does not click until we see it or hear it in a different contest or perspective. Would appreciate pointing me in the right direction here. Thanks. PS loved the newsletter the other day. Johnny P

[@zombieguitar]

Hey thanks for joining the site. Much appreciated 😎. It's tough to say what you should revisit without knowing where exactly you are now. Both "layer 1" and "layer 2" are equally as important as one another. As I said in this video, I recommend focusing on "layer 1" 1st (which is the "Soloing Across the Fretboard" section of the site). In fact, that is the section of the site that I think would benefit most people that use the site. That section includes both the "scale lessons" and has exactly the necessary amount of chord tone targeting stuff that you need to be able to solo in any major or minor key 😎

[@4fretfingers528]

@@zombieguitar Thanks Brian. I will head over to that section first thing tomorrow. Thanks, that's exactly the direction I was looking for.

[@Fatrav]

In the 3 keys you used they all have the chords C G Em and Am so the C Major F Major and G major scale would all fit, so how would you work out which key your in or doesn't it matter?

[@zombieguitar]

Go back and rewatch, the 3 example progressions are different each time...3 different keys, different chords each time. The 1st one was the key of C major, 2nd was the key of F major (which is why the C major scale didn't fit as nicely with this progression). The 3rd progression was in the key of G major, which again is why the C major scale was resulting in sour notes.

[@John-hi2yi]

I really didn’t get this, I’ve struggling to understand the caged system and thought this would explain why some don’t get it as the title suggests. Improvising in the wrong key is simple enough but what has that got to do with the caged system? Not meaning to sound rude or negative. Cheers

[@zombieguitar]

Definitely check out the lesson that I linked to in the description then 😉

[@John-hi2yi]

Brian Kelly thanks I definitely will cheers

[@DJMerck]

@John I have a learning disability and I'm assuming that's the only reason I don't understand any of this. I can do scales fairly quickly but I don't get anything else. please tag or let me know if you find something usable I've wasted a lot of time and a lot of money to hear the same explanation of what didn't make sense the 1st five times...

[@zombieguitar]

@@DJMerck the CAGED system is not about scales, but people often think that it is, which is why it doesn't make sense (if you approach it with that mindset). The "scale" is layer 1 of soloing. The "chord tones" are layer 2, which is what the CAGED system is for. This video is not about teaching the CAGED system, but the lesson that I linked you to in the description is the most comprehensive video on the subject that you will find on KZbin. You may have to watch it a few times, but the information is all there in full.

[@sandeepsanghera1069]

Hey Brian (or anyone else reading this), How do you play the A shape at 2:50? My ring finger can't cover all three strings without muting the high E. Do you have any tips for this?

[@zombieguitar]

It's definitely tricky to get that high E-string note in there. It is possible though if you angle your index finger just right. You could also "reduce" the shape to just the high 3 strings too. It would still be the full triad if you limited the A-shape to just the G, B and high E-string 😀

[@sandeepsanghera1069]

@@zombieguitar Thanks brother 🙏🏼

[@paveques5578]

Grate class, as always

[@jc3teacher265]

The caged helped me tremendously!

[@billybudd45]

With in caged system you have the triads, and scale. Good enough for Hendrix, then it's great for me.

[@zombieguitar]

It's a great system, and I love it and use it all the time. You need to understand that it is about CHORDS and not SCALES though...that is my point!

[@phillipwalsh7648]

Excellent and simple!

[@johnbrasher1495]

Damn good vid, well explained, just a little talky at first but pretty concise once you got going. Happy to sub, and I don'[t sub lightly. Glad I found ya!

[@zombieguitar]

Thank you, much appreciated 😎

[@pupuliciousye9189]

So I have to learn the circle of 5ths first. Then the middle cord on the chart of my progression is the key. Then use the cage system to know the start position on the root note to play the scale in the correct key..... mind blow.

[@zombieguitar]

You might like this lesson too! www.zombieguitar.com/8-useful-facts-about-the-circle-of-fifths/

[@pupuliciousye9189]

Brian Kelly thanks for this. I read all this on your website. I’m going to have to take it slow. I really want to have more understanding as now I’m just free styling a chord progression then throwing a solo in pentatonic over a loop. I’m just sliding in to find the key. And I’m making little tunes from memory. Problem is I just don’t know what key I’m in and what chords I’m using. I’m just complete self taught from playing around

[@MostlyBuicks]

Say you are in the Key of C. And the song only has three chords, C F and G. Some people simply play the F major scale over the F chord and the G major scale over the G chord. Not realizing F sharp in the G scale and B flat in the F scale are NOT in the key of C. Rock music is full of songs that used more than the 3 major chords in a song. They often think they can make all the chords major. This is why my mind stubbornly cannot learn songs that go against these basic rules.

[@brianfarmer9328]

Great perspective 👏