Thursday, September 27, 2007

The CAGED Method Introduction

For starters, a good technique to release the mysteries of the guitar is to begin the process of learning the CAGED guitar methodology.

If you understand your basic open chords, you are well on your way learning the neck of the guitar (even if you don't realize it). If you have learned some basic songs, then at this point you obviously know the five basic triad(*1) chords of C, A, G, E, and D (Hence the acronym CAGED).

Now, I will go into further detail later, but as an example, let's take the form of the basic triad chord C.

Play the C chord slowly.

The first note on the A string is the C note or 1st (root).
The second on the D string is the E note or 3rd.
The third note on the G string is the G note or 5th.
The fourth on the B string is the C note (again!) or 1st (root again).
The fifth on the E string is the E note (again) or 3rd (again).

Now, looking up, just focus on the numbers on the end of those five sentences. There is a pattern developing. Keep going, it will soon make sense.

In a triad chord, the basic rule for a MAJOR chord is that it must have a 1, a 3, and a 5.

1,3,5. The C chord technically only has 3 notes to complete it. There are two roots, and two thirds, 1 fifth.

Once you know where the root fits on this basic C chord, you can then move up the neck of the guitar to create the next note, D:



















The last note (the second 3rd) is optional. Most simply play the 1 - 3 - 5 -1 without the third. Practice this in D and other notes up in down the scale. Pick one note at a time, and sing the number of that note for the chord (1), then the second (3), so and so forth. Once you remember the number pattern of C in the CAGED method, you will be able to add scales easily.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Let us get it rolling

I have been playing guitar for over 10 years now. Before that, I was a band geek playing trumpet for about 10 years also. I love music, and I love the guitar.

Currently, I am involved with my church as a sort of back up worship leader. The Larrivee D-03 with a B-Band preamp has sufficed so far. This has been my favorite acoustic guitar.

Having recently purchased a house, I have a room that is going to be setup as my practice room. Right now my Schecter occupies it along with my most basic amp, the Marshall.

I love the guitar, and I love discussing music. Please feel free to stop by and post any opinions and reply backs.

Any topic that you want covered? Let me know. I'm open minded about anything. Slack tuning your thing? Teach me about it. Stuck on the capo and want to escape? I can show you how!

This is sort of my intro entry on this blog. I hope this progresses into a site full of information and lessons garnered for the guitar player, or future guitarist.