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How to use the CAGED system to play a SOLO

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How to use the CAGED system to play a SOLO

13,944,256 views November 6, 2019 22:11

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ChannelScott Paul Johnson

In brief

Master the CAGED system to explore the entire guitar fretboard, link pentatonic scales smoothly, and craft solos across any key. This method breaks down movable chord shapes, scale connections, and practical drills for fluid soloing—ideal for intermediate guitarists looking to expand their fretboard knowledge.

Key steps

  1. Identify open CAGED chord shapes (C, A, G, E, D) and their 3-note variations.
  2. Slide each shape up the fretboard while maintaining root notes and scale patterns.
  3. Connect pentatonic scales to CAGED shapes for seamless transitions between positions.
  4. Shift the entire system to any key by adjusting chord shapes and scale notes.
  5. Practice sliding between shapes using a pentatonic scale drill for fluidity.
  6. Apply the system to a soloing jam track in a major key for real-time practice.

Questions & answers

What keys can I use the CAGED system in?

Any key—just shift the chord shapes and scale patterns accordingly.

Do I need to know pentatonic scales already?

Yes, the video connects CAGED shapes directly to pentatonic scales, so familiarity helps.

Chapters

Description from the creator

Learn how to ACTUALLY use the CAGED system to navigate the entire fretboard, connect pentatonic scales, and play solos across the neck.

📥 Download the Free CAGED System PDF:
bit.ly/CAGED-PDF

⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 What is the CAGED System? (Fretboard Map)
1:30 Open Chord Shapes & 3-Note Chords
4:48 How CAGED Shapes Move Up the Fretboard
9:10 Connecting CAGED to Pentatonic Scales
11:38 How to Shift the CAGED System to Any Key
13:47 CAGED Practice Routine (Sliding Scale Drill)
18:35 How to Find Root Notes in Every Shape
19:35 CAGED Soloing Jam Track Demo

🎸 Take Your Playing Further:
Ready to master the fretboard? Start a 7-day free trial at my guitar school, or check out completely free lessons with no sign-up required:
bit.ly/INSTANT-FREE

📺 Watch Next:
Minor Pentatonic Scales in the CAGED System:
youtu.be/3lLq9zZjblY

🎵 Jam Track Used in This Video:
A Major Backing Track:
youtu.be/L8JBqEVTnqY

If you have questions about sliding between shapes or shifting keys, leave a comment below! Don't forget to subscribe for more straightforward guitar lessons.

About this tutorial

Scott Paul Johnson published this 22:11 video tutorial on November 6, 2019. It has been watched 13,944,256 times on YouTube.

Category
Education
Duration
22:11
Published
November 6, 2019
Views
13,944,256
Likes
466,798

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