This ActionTab is from the Theory Section on the CAGED System.

In the Last ActionTab we saw the CAGED chords played in the open position. Now let's use those same CAGED major chord shapes progressively up the neck in sequence.

C major - A major - G major - E major - D major

Notice that although we are changing between chord shape, the result is always the same - we hear C major strummed.

NB Some of these chords are very difficult to play, and don't worry if you can't get them. Usually the tricky ones are played partially, not fully, like we are showing here. This is just to illustrate the full chord shapes for the purposes of this lesson.

As you can see here, we are moving upwards through the chord shapes strictly following the C - A - G - E - D sequence.

Use the C shape - at open position
Use the A shape - at fret 3
Use the G shape - at fret 5 (with root notes at fret 8)
Use the E shape - at fret 8
Use the D shape - at fret 10

It is this sequence of chords that gives the CAGED system its name. Once you know this sequence of chord shapes you will be able to unlock the fretboard more quickly.