Photo provided by: Kevin Sergent
Greetings! Here in Part II, we continue our tour through the all-important basic chord shapes CAGED as well as Em, Am, & Dm. For a detailed explanation on how to curl the fingers and why that is important, please see paragraph 2 of ‘The Power of Basic Chord Shapes - Using the CAGED system: Part I
To kick us off, next in line in the CAGED sequence of chord shapes is the G shape. There are (3) ways to play the G shape in its open position as a G chord. First up is what has been called the ‘full G chord’ or the ‘4 finger G’. To perform the ‘4 finger G’ we will ensure that all 4 fingers are curled at both knuckles and place our 1st finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Next, we place our 2nd finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret. Next, our 3rd finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret and then finally our 4th finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Notice that the 3rd and 4th strings are open. Strum from the 6th string down.
READ RELATED ARTICLE: https://www.guitarthrills.com/the-power-of-basic-chord-shapes-using-the-caged-system-part-1/
Next up is ‘3 finger G #1’ To play this we will ensure that our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fingers are curled at both knuckles and begin by placing our 1st finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Next, we place our 2nd finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret. Finally, the 3rd finger is placed on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Notice that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings are open, and the 4th finger is not being used. Strum from the 6th string down. Now, the final iteration of the open G chord that we will consider is ‘3 finger G #2’. Begin by curling the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers at both knuckles. Place the 2nd finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Next, place the 3rd finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret. Finally, place your 4th finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Notice that the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th strings are open, and the index finger is not being used. Strum all 6 strings. (This finger placement for the G shape is preferable when using the G shape as a barre chord.)
Next in the CAGED sequence is E. We will now play it in the open position as an E chord. Prepare by curling fingers 1 through 3 at the 1st and 2nd knuckles. Begin by placing the 1st finger on the 3rd string, 1st fret. Next, we stack our 2nd finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Finally, we place the 3rd finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Notice that the 1st, 2nd and 6th strings are open. Strum from the 6th string down.
Moving on to the D shape, which we will play in its open position as a D chord, start by curling fingers 1 through 3 at the 1st and 2nd knuckles. Place your 1st finger on the 3rd string 2nd fret. Next, place your 2nd finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret. Finally, place the 3rd finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Notice that the 5th and 6th strings are not being used and the 4th string is open. Strum from the 4th string down.
This completes the 5 major chord shapes, CAGED. In a future article we will consider the open minor chord shapes Em, Am and Dm. Happy Playing!
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