CAGED Guitar Chords
The CAGED guitar chords create a framework for learning to play any chord, anywhere on the neck. It also helps us to keep track of other types of chords, such as minor & Dominant 7.
How? By making mods (modifications) to the Major chord form.
The Major chords, C, A, G, E, & D can be moved up the neck to create the other 12 major chords. And, they can be modified to create minor, augmented, diminished, minor 7, Dominant 7, add9, & many more types of chords. Definitely check out mods. Experiment. Create your own library of chords.
The Numbers
The numbers inside the circles are the chord component (Root, 3rd, 5th).
The black numbers are the mods. The mods are the tones you will be swapping out for the chord component.
Obviously at any given moment, you can only have 6 tones ringing at once. Yet, you can also have changing elements (tones that toggle between each other).
There are many many chords which can be created by changing or modifying the Major chord forms.
Many fragments are also possible. It is interesting to play a fragment, leave an open string (or two), and see what types of sounds you can create.
To Do
Practice playing the 5 CAGED system guitar chords.
Then, memorize the chord component within the form (the Root, the 3rd, and the 5th).
Then, start making mods. Start with the minor and add9. Then move on to Dominant and Major 7ths.
Experiment. Create your own library of guitar chords. A chord catalog built by you. Look for cool sounds, then find out what makes it sound that way.
More on caged guitar chords with mods
| Basic Chords | Starter Set • Blues Chords • Jazz Chords |
| Power Chords | E Form • A Form |
| Strumming | Basics • Mutes & 8ths • First Chord Change • Tips • Strumming Patterns |
| CAGED | The 5 • CAGED + 1 • Linear CAGED Cycle • Forms with Mods • Chord Formulas • E Form |
| Chords in Keys | Chart for 13 keys • Triads in A minor • Progressions |
