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New to the site. I’m picking through the Essential Theory course, but was wondering what also to focus on. I have limited time to practice so don’t want to stretch myself too thin. Wondering if I should start with CAGED or the Blues Lead course.
Note: I am an advanced beginner. I understand Minor Pentatonic/Blues scale box 1. Haven’t really delved into the CAGED system although I’ve read this is a key concept on the path to becoming an intermediate guitar player.Any tips, recommendations and lesson links are greatly appreciated.
Cheers!!!
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Hi David, welcome to AM, you’re in a great place to learn about the guitar and music.
Just based on the way Brian teaches, I would suggest looking at the CAGED course and related lessons first. Brian attaches licks, scales, etc., to the CAGED cord shapes, so getting that foundation will help you learn and remember the other material. That said, you get a bit of that in all of the lessons here. The most important thing is to have fun learning with your limited time… so pick what sounds good to you or feels interesting and follow your instincts. In time, it all comes together regardless of your path through the material. Glad you’re here! Also, be sure to check out the monthly Site Member Challenge (see the Forum Announcements channel). Brian issues us a challenge every month and many of us record ourselves playing and share it at the end of the month. Lots of fun and having a goal each month helps the learning. We’re all pretty friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and share your playing. -
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Hi David,
I agree with Michael. Complete that Essential Theory course to understand keys and chords and then get familiar with CAGED. Become very aware of where the root notes are in each CAGED chord shape. Remember that where there is a chord, there is a scale. As you progress see how the pentatonics, major scales and even triads sit over those chord shapes. That’s the key to navigating the fret board.
John -
HI David, the caged system is fine and you should learn that over time as with each of the essentials. I’d stay away from blues for now. That’s probably just going to confuse you in the beginning; not that it is a big deal it’s mostly adding notes to the basic Pentatonic Scales.
Practice the caged system which can be difficult if you do not play bar chords so take your time. I’d also practice the 5 patterns of the Pentatonic Scale starting with A minor Pentatonic. You’re going to need the pentatonic patterns to advance in these general lessons because Brian uses them extensively. Don’t worry about your speed. That only comes with lots and lots and lots of practice. It’s taking me a year to get some speed out of the patterns and I’m still not that fast but rather more accurate.
I’ve attached a pentatonic diagram chart that I made some time ago and shared elsewhere on this site. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by answering this thread and I can try to assist. I’m retired so got some extra time.
Remember this is a journey; never give up because playing the guitar is a lifelong pursuit that will bring you and those around you lots of happiness if you stay with it.
Cheers…
Mr. Larry
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Hi David, and welcome. I’ve been a member for like 9 years, so I’ve seen this question asked hundreds of times. Considering what you’ve said, if you only know the 1st position pentatonic, I would recommend you drop everything and get really familiar with ALL the pentatonic positions. Not only that, but you should practice being able to connect them one to another as you move around the neck. Can you start on your low E string and run the Em pentatonic scale all the way up to 1st string in the highest part of the neck? But why bother, you might ask? Because that knowledge will quickly allow you to noodle around playing improv with maybe 90% of all songs that have ever been written. With pentatonic, you can just stick with your root scale, no need to change scales as the chords change. You can learn the remaining 4 positions in one week, and be playing decent improv in the second week. Have more fun, less work, impress your friends.
Sunjamr Steve
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David,
LEARN WHILE YOU EARN. Personally, I would grab a lesson that piques your fancy. You will develop all the skills and tools necessary to learn the guitar simply by learning songs. Each lesson has in it inherently important licks, riffs and techniques that will benefit you later in your guitar journey. I say this because Brian’s lessons are also performance worthy tunes that once completed, will satisfy you to no end and impress others. It’s a more rewarding strategy. You will have something to show for yourself as well. My two cents.John H.
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Practice the caged system which can be difficult if you do not play bar chords so take your time. I’d also practice the 5 patterns of the Pentatonic Scale starting with A minor Pentatonic. You’re going to need the pentatonic patterns to advance in these general lessons because Brian uses them extensively. Don’t worry about your speed. That only comes with lots and lots and lots of practice. It’s taking me a year to get some speed out of the patterns and I’m still not that fast but rather more accurate.
As John pointed out above, CAGED is nothing but a map of how the notes are laid out across the fingerboard of a guitar when it is in standard tuning. The most important thing is to be able to visualise that pattern.
The ability to actually play the corresponding barre chord shapes is secondary.In addition to what has been said above, I would recommend practicing your pentatonic scales on each string along the fretboard in addition to practicing the “box shapes”. This will help you avoid getting trapped into those boxes like so many beginners and intermediate players.
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