As a beginner or even as a skilled guitarist, the fretboard of a guitar may not make perfect sense when looking at it. Unlike a piano, the notes on a guitar’s fretboard are not exactly laid out in perfect order. While this may be frustrating for some players, learning the CAGED method can help guitar players in understanding the layout of a fretboard and more about music theory. In turn, this can help with the memorization and knowledge of chords, individual notes and scales.
WHY SHOULD I LEARN THE CAGED METHOD?:
As mentioned above, the CAGED method is a great way for guitar players to understand the fretboard of their instrument. Although some instruments such as the piano are more linear in their layout, the CAGED method can give players a way to view the fretboard in a more organized way. The CAGED method can also make your learning more efficient, by giving you an understanding of how and why certain scales and chords are laid out the way that they are.
HOW DOES IT WORK?:
To put it into simple terms, the CAGED method focuses on the five chords in the open position: C, A, G, E and D. By learning these chords and also learning the notes on the 5th and 6th strings of your guitar, you will be able to move these shapes up and down the fretboard to create other chords and in particular, learn more about the major scale. In order to gain a better understanding of how the CAGED method works, it is important to learn the root notes of the chords that you are playing as well.
Ultimately, the best way to learn the CAGED method is to bring it up to your instructor. Even though the CAGED method is not the only system out there for organizing the fretboard, it is a great start and can aid you in learning more about your instrument. If you are interested in learning more about the CAGED system and how it works, or any other system for playing guitar sign up for a FREE LESSON and we can help demystify it for you!