The CAGED System of Guitar – A Shape – Part 5

The next shape in the CAGED System is another common and useful shape which you have been playing since a long time.

Recognizing the Shape

Let’s take out the relevant notations from the fretboard on the left to deduce the shape.

Note that we are still using the F, A and C notes which are forming a very useful shape. Also the root note is still on the 5th fret as it was for the previous shape (C shape) but now the notes are higher (further up) on the guitar neck.

Here Comes the Barre!

Let’s add the barre once again. Imagine the black strip as the nut… do you recognize the shape now?

It’s an open A chord! Simple!

Remember again, it is still the F chord, but the parent shape of the chord from which it is formed is the common open A chord shape.

This is one of the most common chord shapes after the E shape

You can play this chord either by using your first three fingers on each string or by barring the three strings using your first finger – which ever suits you.

Let’s move on to the last note of the CAGED shape – G Shape.

If you enjoyed the post, you can check out the complete song-chord list. Having difficulty understanding guitar notations above? Check out this Quick Guide to clear all your doubts. If you are a professional musician or a good guitarist and want to share your skills with everybody else, you can join the blog as a Regular Contributor.