UN-CAGED



The CAGED system chord map ... stop treating it as a poster and start using it as a practice engine. 

1. What this image really is (and isn't)

This is not five unrelated chord diagrams.

It is:

  • One chord (C, A, G, E, or D)
  • Repeated across the neck
  • Using five connected shapes

The magic is not memorising the boxes — it's learning to move through them musically.

2. First: turn it into one key, not all of them

Pick one row only — for example, the C row.

Exercise

  1. Play C major in:
    • C-shape
    • then A-shape
    • then G-shape
    • then E-shape
    • then D-shape
  2. Move up the neck only, no jumping around.

🎯 Goal:
You should hear the chord stay the same while your hand position changes.

If you can't hear that continuity yet, slow down — that's the point.

3. Strip it down: find the ROOTS first

Before worrying about fingers 2-3-4:

Do this:

  • In each shape, locate every root note
  • Say the note name out loud as you play it

For example in C:

  • "C on the A string"
  • "C on the D string"
  • "C on the B string"

🎯 Goal:
You should be able to land on any C on the fretboard without guessing.

This alone separates intermediates from advanced players.

4. Convert chords into scale territory

Here's where this image really pays off.

For each shape:

  • Play the chord
  • Then immediately play the major scale that lives inside and around that shape

Example:

  • C-shape C chord → C major scale in that position
  • A-shape C chord → same scale, different fingering

🎯 Insight:
CAGED is not a chord system — it's a map of scale positions disguised as chords.

5. Musical drill (this is the gold)

Set a metronome. Do this:

  1. Play one shape
  2. Arpeggiate it (1–3–5)
  3. Add passing scale notes
  4. Slide into the next shape without stopping

You are now practicing:

  • Voice leading
  • Fretboard navigation
  • Soloing logic

…without learning a single new "lick".

6. Apply it to real music immediately

Pick a simple progression:

  • C – F – G
  • or A – D – E

Rules:

  • Stay in one area of the neck
  • Change shapes instead of jumping positions
  • Solo using only notes from the active shape

🎯 This is how players stop sounding "boxy".

7. Common intermediate mistake (avoid this)

❌ Memorising all five shapes in all keys
❌ Running them mechanically up and down
❌ Treating CAGED as theory homework

✅ Use one key ✅ Use one progression ✅ Make music immediately

Ask your own questions to this chat at: 

https://chatgpt.com/s/t_6940257f81f88191a9443ada2a066e62


Play On!