method to their playing. It hinders their ability to see underlying chord structures that are right under the position they are playing in that relate to the progression. So they change positions unnecessarily because they don't see the related shapes right under their fingertips. The sad thing is that they don't see the related scales either. Most rely in the memorized open chords and limited barre chord shapes to play from. They also struggle with applying the memorized scale patterns because they can't see the connection on the fretboard by not understanding CAGED theory.
CAGED has many benifits when applyed to your playing because it allows you to see with clarity how these shapes connect and will open the door to your ability in changing the way you play guitar 10 fold.
Starting off slow, let's define what CAGED means and how to apply the theory piece by piece. CAGED stands for the most popular Chord shapes used in most music. The C-shape, A, G, E, and D-shape used to form the chords. Most of us have these shapes down in the open position of guitar, so let's start there. The Open C chord, the Open A chord, the Open G chord. the Open E chord and the Open D chord. The trick to applying the CAGED method is to form these chords using what's called "Back of Hand Fingering" which means form the chords using your middle, ring and pinky fingers on all 5 shapes. Your index finger will be used to mimic the nut in all chord shapes.
If you know how to form a Barre chord and slide it up and down the fretboard, you already have the E-shape covered. Practice moving the other shapes in the same manner using your index to barre the distance equal to the nut from the open position and the chord shape. Take time to adjust some of the shapes with your fret hand and work to strenghen your pinky (pull-offs using your pinky helps a lot).
Next we'll make some connecting relationships that will allow you to form chords all over the fretboard.
Good luck!!!!!!
