Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Learning to Fly (Around the Fretboard)

Learning to Fly (Around the Fretboard)

We all know the CAGED system is a great way of learning the fretboard, but are we truly applying that knowledge in a musical way? This lesson will help you do exactly that, by explaining the CAGED system and then putting it to use in real-world chord progressions. This will allow you to better accompany another guitarist, create cool-sounding overdubs, and eventually play riffs, lines, and arpeggios all over the neck. Dig in and learn to fly!


Learning to Fly (with CAGED)

PG Explains: CAGED

PG Staff

Understand key facts and definitions of the popular CAGED guitar chord system with our simple guide.


What is the CAGED system?

The CAGED system is based on five chordsā€”C, A, G, E, and Dā€”and provides a way to organize a guitarā€™s neck into five different sections, which can be linked together to play melodies, major scales, and arpeggios across the entire fretboard. The shapes of those chords can also be used anywhere on the fretboard to play any major chord in any key.

Why is it called the CAGED system?

For starters, that name contains each of the five chords used in the system, but it also helpfully alludes to the order in which the chords connect up and down the neck.

Is the CAGED system hard?

If you can play basic C, A, G, E, and D chords, youā€™re essentially all set. It involves some manipulation and extra fingerwork to make the chords as you move up the neck, but youā€™ve already got the essentials.

Build your own legendary boost pedal with StewMac! Enter the I Love Pedals giveaway now and return daily to boost your chances.

Read MoreShow less
- YouTube

Watch the official video documenting the sold-out event at House of Blues in Anaheim. Join Paul Reed Smith and special guests as they toast to quality and excellence in guitar craftsmanship.

Read MoreShow less

Stretching the boundaries of reverbā€™s realm through dynamic and pitch control.

Nice core reverb sounds. Invites cool compositional and arrangement directions. High quality.

If you lack patience, it will be hard to unlock its coolest secrets.

$329

Gamechanger Audio Auto Reverb
gamechangeraudio.com

4.5
4
3
4

When the first Moog synthesizer appeared, it freaked out a lot of musiciansā€”not least for the way it blurred the divisions between instruments and their roles. Was it percussion? A keyboard? A reed instrument? Many effects makers build from this philosophical foundation. The Latvian company Gamechanger often seems to revel in itā€”an attitude thatā€™s manifest in the companyā€™s Auto Series pedals, which includes the Auto Reverb.

Read MoreShow less

The original Sabbath lineup will reunite on July 5 in Birmingham, England, and be joined by Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, and more.

Read MoreShow less