CAGED Guitarist® changes the way we play

The CAGED Guitarist® system

The CAGED system has been known by the master guitarists for some years. But only now is the full potential of the system being exploited. Paul Foad, a professional guitarist with over 30 year’s experience, has finally produced the definitive distillation of the concept in an easy to understand, highly visual format. Paul comments “With the resurgence of guitar based music, the time has never been better for this fast track system.”

The CAGED system relates pattern on the fretboard to the five basic chord shapes, C, A, G, E and D. These five basic shapes can be moved to all twelve keys anywhere on the fingerboard. From these shapes, any scale, arpeggio and chord pattern can be easily constructed. “Armed with just five scales, you can find any scale, chord, arpeggio or mode, wherever your hand happens to be on the fingerboard,” says Paul. “This gives us guitarists’ full control to play as simply or as complex as we like …. without having to learn mountains of separate patterns. The CAGED Guitarist takes it to the ultimate step of imprinting the interval system straight onto the fingerboard and under your fingers”

The CAGED Guitarist® book

Paul has analysed the CAGED system, and for the first time, translated it in the highly visual interval system form shown here.

G shape C major scale

G shape C7 chord

This diagram from the book shows the G shape C major scale. It is easy to visualise any chord, scale or arpeggio on this basic pattern. The example shown is the C7 chord in the G shape.

“It is just as easy to do the same with the melody notes” explains Paul. “For example, “When the Saints go marching in” is;

R, 3, 4, 5 / R, 3, 4, 5 / R, 3, 4, 5, 3, R, 3, 2 / 3, 3, 2, R / 3, 5, 5, 4 / 3, 4, 5, 3, R, 2, R.”

Not only is it easy, but it is musical notation, unlike tab. You can translate it to any of the five shapes, anywhere on the fingerboard. You can even translate it to other instruments, like a keyboard. “The book takes you through the basic steps to learning the system by de-mystifying the fingerboard logic associated with the guitar and releasing the guitarists’ creative potential; from rock to punk to funk to jazz.” enthuses Paul.

Endorsements

The book has already received rave reviews. Dave Mead from Guitar Techniques said “could be the best £9.95 you’ll ever spend in your guitar playing life.” Simon Dinnigan, world renowned classical guitarist calls it “a profound system.”

CAGED developments

The book is available from your local book store, many music shops and is available on the web at www.cagedguitarist.com (it will be taking credit card orders by mid November 2002). The Caged Guitar School has been set up in one of the biggest guitar stores in Birmingham, England (PMT). Numerous guitar teachers have been schooled in the method and are delivering it to the new blood of the industry. “Already thousands of guitarists have unlocked their fingerboards” notes Paul, “so get the book and set your playing free!”

Paul Foad biography

Paul has been dedicated to the guitar since his early teens. He formed various bands but has been, until now, been best known for his work in the seminal early 80’s post punk legends, the Au Pairs. They influenced many artists, including Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley, who says she was “most definitely a fan” and were noted in Kurt Cobain’s biography as one of his key influences.

After the Au Pairs, Paul studied flamenco for seven years and now plays with Andy Hamilton, an international jazz player and the godfather of British jazz. Paul still records as a session musician and teaches extensively, as well as promoting the CAGED Guitarist® method.

Music Live 2002

Paul is exhibiting from stall V21 at Music Live 2002 at the NEC, Birmingham, England, in November and will be available to demonstrate the CAGED Guitarist® method or for any questions you might have.

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