CAGED System - Not Just for Major Chords

caged system Oct 13, 2023

Introduction

If you've been on your guitar journey for some time, chances are you've come across the CAGED system. It's a powerful tool that allows you to play a single chord in five different positions across the fretboard. In this blog post, I'm going to break down the CAGED system for you and show you how to apply it to dominant seventh chords.

Understanding the CAGED System

It's absolutely essential to differentiate a chord and a chord “shape”. If you are familiar with bar chords, understanding how one chord shape moved up and down the fretboard to create different chords is all you need to know to understand the difference.

The CAGED system is built upon five basic major open chord shapes: C, A, G, E, and D. However, it's worth noting that the F chord isn't part of this system because it's based on the E major shape. To help you understand this concept better, let's break down the C major chord.

1. C Shape: This is the standard C major chord that most beginners learn. It's one of the five foundational shapes.

2. A Shape: By moving the A major shape up the neck to the third position(3rd fret), you create a C major chord with the same finger formation.

3. G Shape: Similarly, you can form a C major chord by using the G major shape in the fifth position.

4. E Shape: The C major chord can be formed by using the E major shape in the eighth position.

5. D Shape: Lastly, the C major chord can also be derived from the D major shape at the 10th position.

By understanding these five shapes and their relationships, you gain valuable insight into the guitar neck's layout, which is essential for soloing, improvisation, and creating unique guitar parts.

Introducing Dominant Seventh Chords

Now that we've refreshed our memory on the CAGED system, it's time to explore how we can apply it to dominant seventh chords. But first, let's briefly discuss what a dominant seventh chord is. A dominant seventh chord consists of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of a major scale, with a flattened 7th note added. This chord type is frequently used in blues, jazz, and pop music.

Applying the CAGED System to Dominant Seventh Chords

To create dominant seventh chords using the CAGED system, we'll take the major shapes we've learned and adjust them to include the flatted seventh note. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. C7 Shape: Start with the C major shape and add the flattened seventh note, typically played with your pinky. This gives you the C7 shape, which can be moved up and down the neck.

2. A7 Shape: Similar to the C7 shape, we create the A7 shape by adapting the A major chord and adding the flattened seventh note. This formation is movable along the fretboard.

3. G7 Shape: Take the G major shape and modify it by introducing the flatted seventh note. With practice, you'll be able to use this shape to play the G7 chord.

4. E7 Shape: By adjusting the E major shape with the flatted seventh note, you create the E7 shape. Understanding this shape's placement on the neck is valuable for your musical journey.

5. D7 Shape: Finally, the D7 shape is derived from the D major chord by incorporating the flatted seventh note. Practice this shape to have it readily available for your chord progressions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CAGED system is a fantastic tool that empowers guitarists to visualize the fretboard and play chords in multiple positions. When applied to dominant seventh chords, it enhances your ability to play a wide range of songs, particularly in blues and jazz genres.

Remember, understanding the CAGED system's concept is just the first step. To truly master it, you must practice and become comfortable with these chord shapes in various keys. So, grab your guitar, explore these shapes, and unlock a world of musical possibilities. Don't forget to check out the free resources provided in the video description to help you on your guitar journey. Happy playing!