CAGGGGGED system

[VictorME]

Why are all the scales in the CAGED system played on G?:confused:

Thank You

[cyberfret]

The CAGED lesson is in the key of G only so that I could start on the most familiar major scale form, (the E form) and work my way up the neck. You can play this scale system in any key. You just need to learn where the roots are in each scale form are. Then move the scale form to the place on the neck that corresponds to the key you are looking for. For example in the lesson, the "D form" for the key of G is at the 5th fret. The G note or root of that scale form is on the 4th string 5th fret, and also on the 2nd string 8th fret. So if you wanted to play in the key of A with this scale from, you would play the "D form" at the 7th fret. The A or the root would be on the 4th string 7th fret, or the 2nd string 10th fret.

On of the biggest confusions with the CAGED scale system is the idea that you playing D form, but that does not mean that it is a D major scale. A D form can be played in any key, anywhere on the neck. Calling that particular scale shape a "D form" and relating it to a basic D chord shape is just a way of helping to organize that form in your head. There is a difference between "shape" and "sound". If you play a basic D chord, strum just the top 3 strings so that you are not play the 4th string open....that is a D chord. If you move that basic D chord shape up so that the note on the 2nd string is a G at the 8th fret....this is a G chord. It is still the same D chord "shape", but it is the "sound" of a G major chord.

A big part of that lesson is understanding the relationship of all of the forms. That means that if you want to play in the key of C, you could start by playing the basic C major scale form (the E form) and then find the other forms in relationship to that one.

--Shawn

[VictorME]

Thanks alot:)

But i have another question.:confused: Sorry if im boring you.

Why d I need so many Scales forms if all are the same, (in the key of C it would go from C to C, in the key of G it would only have ne flat, etc.)?

[cyberfret]

Different ranges (higher or lower notes)....different possibilities for bends, or hammer ons and pull offs. A particular melody may be more comfortable to play in one scale form vs. another. Different shapes inspire different ideas in improvisation or writing.

--Shawn