The fretboard can feel like a maze — until you understand CAGED. This simple system shows how five familiar chord shapes can map out the entire neck. In this guide, you’ll learn how five simple shapes unlock the entire fretboard, and how to use CAGED without getting overwhelmed.
🎸 Want to learn CAGED the visual, beginner-friendly way? Start here with a course built just for self-taught guitarists
🎯 What Is the CAGED System?
CAGED is an acronym for five basic open chord shapes:
- C, A, G, E, and D
These shapes can be moved up the neck and combined to cover the fretboard. Every key can be played using these patterns — giving you both chords and scale frameworks.
✅ Think of it as your fretboard map
🧱 Why It’s Perfect for Beginners
- Uses shapes you already know from open chords
- Doesn’t require reading music
- Makes chord-building and soloing easier
✅ Ideal for visual learners and pattern thinkers
🔄 How to Use CAGED Step by Step
- Pick a root note (e.g., C)
- Play it using each of the five shapes up the neck
- Notice how each shape overlaps with the next
- Link scale patterns to each shape
✅ Now you’re navigating the neck with purpose
🧠 The Power of CAGED Beyond Chords
- Use it to find scales, arpeggios, and lead patterns
- Visualize intervals and root movement
- Improvise in any key without getting lost
✅ It connects rhythm and lead playing into one system
🔗 Want to Make CAGED Second Nature?
You can learn how five simple shapes unlock the entire fretboard — and start making music with confidence across every fret.
Final Thoughts
CAGED isn’t just a theory tool — it’s a guitar superpower. Once you learn to move and combine shapes, you unlock the neck and open up new creative possibilities.
🎸 Want to master CAGED without memorizing charts? Start this hands-on visual course today