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)

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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.

  1. Watch the video
  2. Play along with the video
  3. Play along with the backing track
  4. 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.

  1. Watch the video
  2. Play along with the video
  3. Play along with the backing track
  4. 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.

  1. Watch the video
  2. Play along with the video
  3. Play along with the backing track
  4. Here is the chord progression: 
    C   |  G   |  D   |  A  |

E   |  B   |  F#  |  C# |

Ab  |  Eb  |  Bb  |  F  |

C   ||

Cycle of Fifths from C