Unit 1 Lesson 1: Learning The C Major Pentatonic (CAGED System)

By: Abraham Torres-ArredondoUpdated: August 03, 2021Article ID: 1

This lesson is designed to help you familiarize yourself with the 5 CAGED system patterns.

All 5 shape patterns of the C major pentatonic scale are introduced in this lesson. These shape patterns are:

  • C Shape.
  • A Shape.
  • G Shape.
  • E Shape.
  • D Shape.

Since the CAGED system shapes will be same for all of the major pentatonic scales (D-E-F-G-A-B, etc.), learning the C major pentatonic CAGED patterns will carry over to all of the other major pentatonic scales.

Exercise Instructions

To get the most out of this lesson, you should:

  • Practice at least 30 minutes a day. Of course the more, the better.
  • Spend a full day on each pattern.
  • Practice slowly.
  • Practice with a metronome.

If at the end of the lesson you haven't completely memorized and internalized them, don't worry. Remember, this lesson is the first of many that will help you to completely memorize them.

Once you're sufficiently familiar with the patterns, the next step is to go to: Unit 1 Lesson 2.

Exercise 1: C Chord Shape

C Chord Shape (C-A-G-E-D System). circleofriff.com
1
Start at the 6th string and play down to the 1st string.

NOTE: The 6th string is the thickest string of all 6. It's also known as the low E string.
2
From the 1st string play up to the 6th string.
3
Alternate pick the notes on the strings.
4
Use one finger per fret.

Exercise 2: A Chord Shape

A Chord Shape (C-A-G-E-D System). circleofriff.com
1
Start at the 6th string and play down to the 1st string.

NOTE: The 6th string is the thickest string of all 6. It's also known as the low E string.
2
From the 1st string play up to the 6th string.
3
Alternate pick the notes on the strings.
4
Use one finger per fret.

Exercise 3: G Chord Shape

G Chord Shape (C-A-G-E-D System). circleofriff.com
1
Start at the 6th string and play down to the 1st string.
2
From the 1st string play up to the 6th string.
3
Alternate pick the notes on the strings.
4
Use one finger per fret.

Exercise 4: E Chord Shape

E Chord Shape (C-A-G-E-D System). circleofriff.com
1
Start at the 6th string and play down to the 1st string.
2
From the 1st string play up to the 6th string.
3
Alternate pick the notes on the strings.
4
Use one finger per fret.

Exercise 5: D Chord Shape

D Chord Shape (C-A-G-E-D System). circleofriff.com
1
Start at the 6th string and play down to the 1st string.
2
From the 1st string play up to the 6th string.
3
Alternate pick the notes on the strings.
4
Use one finger per fret.