The first step to learning the CAGED system is learning the five movable chord shapes. Learn and practice them on this page.
Pattern 1 (C-form)

Pattern 2 (A-form)

Pattern 3 (G-form)

Pattern 4 (E-form)

Pattern 5 (D-form)

Play a D Chord Five Ways
Play a D chord five ways. Start with Pattern 1 for one bar, then Pattern 2 for one bar, … When you get to Pattern 5, play it backwards.
- Watch the video
- Play along with the video
- Play along with the backing track
- Try to play other chords five ways (without a backing track) – like E or F# or Bb
D Chord Five Ways
Cycle of Fourths from C
Through the Cycle of Fourths starting with a C chord. Try to stay within about a five fret range. For example, keep the root note between frets 2 and 6.
- Watch the video
- Play along with the video
- Play along with the backing track
- Here is the chord progression:
C | F | Bb | Eb | Ab | C# | F# | B | E | A | D | G | C ||
Cycle of Fourths from C
Cycle of Fifths from C
Through the Cycle of Fifths starting with a C chord. Try to stay within about a five fret range. For example, keep the root note between frets 2 and 6.
- Watch the video
- Play along with the video
- Play along with the backing track
- Here is the chord progression:
C | G | D | A | E | B | F# | C# | Ab | Eb | Bb | F | C ||