Previously we unlocked the CAGED chord system discovering how to play chords in different locations on the guitar neck. In this guitar lesson we’ll learn how to use our knowledge of the CAGED chord system in songs.
Rock Riffs Using The CAGED Chord System
The CAGED chord system can be used to make boring predictable chord changes sound interesting. Many songs are written just a few basic chords so to make them sound interesting guitarists often use the CAGED chord system.
Substitute Riff
Substitute by The Who is a classic example of this. The main riff of the song is just 3 chords D A and G which are used in 1000s of songs. However what makes it interesting is the shapes that Pete Townsend uses to play the chords and the rhythm.
At the start of the riff the first 2 strums play the D chord in 2 different positions. First using the D and then part of the A shape at the 5th fret on the top 3 strings. Hear how much more interesting this is in comparison to just 2 strums of a regular D “triangle” chord shape would be. The riff finishes with the A and the G chords played using the top 3 strings of the E chord shape. Underneath all of this the riff has an open D string ringing out which creates a “pedal” note.
Bittersweet Riff
Another riff using the CAGED chord system is the intro to Bittersweet by the Aussie rock band the Hoodoo Gurus. The main 3 chords in this song are the stock standard G C and D chords. However for the song’s intro the chords are played using the D triangle shape for the G chord at the 7th fret, the top 3 strings of the E chord shape for the C chord at the 8th fret and the top 3 strings of the A chord shape for the D chord at the 5th fret.
Like Substitute, Bittersweet also uses a D pedal note underneath these chords. However as this song was recorded in the 80s the note played on a synth bass.
Arpeggios
The CAGED chord system can be also used to play arpeggios without being locked into just using regular open string and bar chord shapes.
For example let’s look at the often used 4 chord song progression in the key of C using the chords C G A minor and F. The arpeggio pattern below uses the G shape for the C chord arpeggio, the D shape for the G arpeggio, the E minor shape for the A minor arpeggio and the C shape for the F arpeggio.
4 Chord Song CAGED Arpeggios | Download |
These arpeggios can also be incorporated into guitar solos. Using the same 4 chord song you can play a guitar solo over it using the A minor pentatonic scale. However to make the solo outline the harmony of the chord progression we’ll add some arpeggios. Here the same arpeggios will be used as in the previous example. However when you play them in the solo play the notes separately rather than letting them ring out.
4 Chord Song CAGED Solo | Download |
Funk & Reggae Chords
The CAGED chord system is also used to play chords in funk and reggae music. The song Get Lucky by Daft Punk uses the chords B minor D F# minor and E. The chords are played up the neck using higher notes and muted strums to create a percussive rhythmic groove.
The B minor chord uses the E minor shape at the 7th fret, for the D chord the G shape is used also at the 7th fret, the F# minor chord uses the A minor shape at the 9th fret and for the E chord the A shape at the 7th fret. These chords usually only use 3-4 strings so you have to be accurate with your strumming and/or mute the unwanted 5th and 6th strings.
Get Lucky Chords | Download |
Note the different shapes used for the minor chords verses the major chords. You can also mix things up by alternating the A chord shape with the G chord shape when playing the D and the E chords respectively.
Get Lucky Chords | Download |
So now we’ve unlocked the CAGED chord system and know how to use it various styles of music try and see how you can use it in songs that you play.