Demystifying Triads and CAGED: Unlock the fretboard and improvise freely

*NEW:* I'm currently rolling out *Improv 101,* a step-by-step improvisation course for guitarists of _all ability levels_ (there are _no_ prerequisites other than being able to physically play single-note lines on your guitar). You can get early access on Patreon https://patreon.com/fretscience or learn more at https://fretscience.com/2024/10/25/fret-science-improv-101/ Fret Science is a new and robust method for understanding the fretboard (learning all of your scales, arpeggios, and chords) with _dramatically_ less memorization. And then using that knowledge to improvise and play freely in _any_ style of music. The core method for learning scales and chords is available _for free_ here on YouTube. If you're new to the channel, I invite you to check out the "Big Picture" video and recommended video viewing order here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMuHlX9RiFi1L1RdC0CzYa1qxZllD5Ujz&si=cOp25GnXrL28rbLQ If you want to go deeper or interact with me directly, come join me on Patreon https://patreon.com/fretscience where I'm sharing exclusive new lessons, breaking down classic solos, and rolling out a new improvisation method that will help guitarists of _all ability levels_ learn to improvise confidently over chord changes in any style. You can also connect with me at https://fretscience.com or support my work with a donation at https://buymeacoffee.com/fretscience ► Video description: This video deconstructs the CAGED system and presents it using easy-to-understand animated building blocks, starting with TRIADS, adding on PENTATONIC SCALES, and finishing with the MAJOR SCALE MODES. This is everything you need to unlock the fretboard and get started improvising. ► Keywords: CAGED system, triads, guitar lesson, pentatonic scales, music theory, major scale modes, Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Phrygian ► For downloadable/printable "cheat sheets" for this video and others, visit: https://fretscience.myshopify.com/ ► You can learn more, sign up for my email newsletter, or contact me at: https://fretscience.com ► Gear I use and recommend (affiliate links): TC Electronic Infinite Sustainer Pedal - https://imp.i114863.net/doNAyq TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini Tuner - https://imp.i114863.net/ZdnDVQ TC Electronic Ditto Looper - https://imp.i114863.net/b34ekP Digitech Trio+ Pedal - https://imp.i114863.net/5b2Xn3 Boss RC-500 Loop Station - https://imp.i114863.net/MXG1K3 D'Addario NYXL strings - https://imp.i114863.net/QOZRbx MXR Six Band EQ Pedal - https://imp.i114863.net/QOZgYM Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface : https://imp.i114863.net/jWxgev PRS Guitars - https://imp.i114863.net/LPAG0L Bose S1 Pro PA - https://imp.i114863.net/GjP5Kr Pedaltrain pedal boards - https://imp.i114863.net/BXmQKx Voodoo Lab Pedal Power X8 - https://imp.i114863.net/WDWLYG Electro-Harmonix Freeze Pedal - https://imp.i114863.net/Earj0e TC Electronic Plethora X5 - https://imp.i114863.net/VyzWOa MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive pedal - https://imp.i114863.net/AoxDPx Wampler Tumnus Overdrive - https://imp.i114863.net/9W43V0 World's Best Cables 10' (Mogami/Neutrik) - https://amzn.to/3lq4OlD World's Best Cables 15' (Mogami/Neutrik) - https://amzn.to/3YqxCZY ► Recommended video viewing order: Full playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMuHlX9RiFi1L1RdC0CzYa1qxZllD5Ujz&si=cOp25GnXrL28rbLQ Individual videos: 1. Use "the warp" to reduce memorization: https://youtu.be/Qd8pyJ9A5W8 2. Master the pentatonic scale with the rectangle and stack: https://youtu.be/wzWE0dpxnmY 3. Learn the notes!: https://youtu.be/OHa2DklOeTI 4. Intervals: Guitar's secret decoder ring: https://youtu.be/3sUpoSTy8zw 5. Understand the modes: https://youtu.be/bFvTVnhmFfE 6. The best way to learn/play the modes: https://youtu.be/jrukJYI8ecY 7. Another easy way to play the modes: https://youtu.be/2IxiU96JQ7w 8. The CAGED system and triads: https://youtu.be/W4ZeaKoynv4 9. The 3nps system: https://youtu.be/CkymnwBDN9o 10. Instant harmony: https://youtu.be/G_YP-IpRfuM ► Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & CAGED System overview 02:38 - Triads, simplified 05:15 - Triad inversions 07:47 - Modifying fingerings to change triad types 08:31 - The CAGED system - altering notes to change chord type 09:50 - The CAGED system - the pentatonic layer 11:44 - The CAGED system - adding the modes 12:40 - Using the CAGED system for improvisation ► Thanks again to Dave DiCenso, Jeff Gilman, and Jake Shapiro for the exit music "Sea Horses" from the Kilgore Trout Sessions.