CAGED System Basics | 4 | A Shape
Added 2021-07-08 23:45:15 +0000 UTCWhere to Start • Lesson Archive • Recommended Lesson Plan • Book a Private Lesson
Hi Everyone,
In this lesson we're talking about the A shape, which is linked to the C shape. Just like the previous lessons, we dive into the variety of triad voicings we can get out of the A Shape as well as the most common 4, 5, and 6 string versions of this movable chord shape. We also talk about how the A shape connects to the C shape and how you can get some interesting movement between the two shapes.
Check out the homework sections to help you get more familiar with the A shape, as well as the practice sections, to help you actually use your new knowledge in fun, creative ways up the neck of the guitar.
Here is the Jam Track: A Major I IV V IV Also attached below in mp3 form.
The bonus practice section not listed on the PDF is to practice using all three shapes (D, C, & A) to create some interesting movement.
Once you're feeling comfortable with this material, move on to the G shape.
Post your homework, questions, and audio or video of your practice creations to the community forum.
More from this course:
Other helpful links:
Scott's Recommended Lesson Plan
Searchable Lesson Archive
How to Join the Community Forum
Scott's Jam Tracks
SPJ Live YouTube Channel
Scott's Main YouTube Channel
Comments
Question: You may have addressed this in a previous lesson, but why is the root note found on the A or G string? Also, I watched Bob Dylans doc the other night, and had a thought for a good course lesson. Alternate Tunings. I'm not a big fan of it (time consuming to do), but maybe a course or two into the 'why' of it, then maybe some of the more popular or common ones with chord patterns.
Dave
2025-07-19 21:34:52 +0000 UTCYAY! It's always nice to hear a comment like this. Thanks, Ben.
Scott Paul Johnson
2022-12-12 18:49:07 +0000 UTCHey Scot, just wanted to thank you for you awsome lessons Im so happy I stumbled uppon you on youtube you just gave all the answers I was looking for
ben aderet elad
2022-11-20 08:08:11 +0000 UTCHey Mark, as in one note from each voicing to make up the chord? or one singular note?
Austin
2022-11-14 19:26:50 +0000 UTCI made my own little game when playing to the practice track. I start the chord progression by playing one note per chord. When the progression is done, I play two notes, three after that etc up to how many notes I feel like. Extra rule: don't use the same voicing twice in a row, so you have to keep improvising. Really fun, you should try!
Mark van Beekum
2022-11-04 09:28:15 +0000 UTCHi Sue - I'm sorry to hear you're having this issue. I'm not aware of a fee for casting to TV. I wonder if this is a new thing with Vimeo or if there might be another way. What are you using to cast? A phone? A tablet? What is the make and model?
Scott Paul Johnson
2022-08-10 23:17:35 +0000 UTCAll I want to do is cast to my tv, it's extremely annoying that I have to jump through hoops to cast, I even may be forced to pay for the Vimeo premium service. Not cool for a subscription service to directly link to another
Sue
2022-08-10 21:08:09 +0000 UTCHi Scott, just thought I would drop you line in case you thought Ive been slacking. I now understand CAGED thru to A but rather than surge forward I felt as though I needed to review my Triads. So three weeks of work is starting to pay off. Understanding is one thing playing so its automatic/musicality is another. Nearly ready to start G shape. By the way loving it thanks
Phil Butler
2022-05-23 04:49:06 +0000 UTCThe C is also shared, but the F is the root note, and I wanted to emphasize that! Thats why I circled the F root note.
Scott Paul Johnson
2022-04-28 03:00:11 +0000 UTCRegarding the Red Circled F (first page of the pdf) note which is shared by C and F. Isn't the C also shared? On the high and low E strings I mean.
Escanor
2022-04-27 21:19:00 +0000 UTCit's simply beautiful. When you can complete the track with good sounds is awesome. I'm really enjoying this lesson. Thanks Scott for everything!
gustavo montero
2021-10-13 01:25:16 +0000 UTCMan, those lessons are taking me really long time to absolute absorve. I am mixing mit Rubick Cube. But, wherever you point a note on the neck now I can't tell you what note it is, but I can tell you if is a root, 3th or 5th or 7th from a shape. With that I can hunt the exact note if I need to. Unbelievable! From "noob" to a beginner "rock killer star" guitar player/musician in 6 months! THANKS DUDE (yes in capital) I am also "weirdo"!
DeDé
2021-07-13 08:06:18 +0000 UTC
