Scott Paul Johnson

New CAGED Soloing 02 | C Shape | I - iii Progression

Added 2022-01-03 21:29:54 +0000 UTC

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Hi everyone,

In this second episode, we're tackling a I iii progression using the C shape as our I chord. That means we can also use the C shape pentatonic scale as our basic scaffolding for that area of the neck. As a reminder, in these lessons, the green dots represent the major scale, the pink dots on top represent the pentatonic scale, and the yellow dots on top of that represent the chord. The blue dots are the notes I'm playing.

We're being a little more holistic here, talking about chord progressions in an area of the neck AND how to solo in that same area. Hopefully as these lessons keep building, you'll begin to see a very clear picture of how to solo and play chord progressions all over the fingerboard.

In the past a few people have said "dang, there are 7 different shapes for each of the 5 CAGED shapes - thats like 35 different shape combinations to memorize." Looking at it this way can certainly be daunting but keep this in mind: The more you practice these concepts, the easier it will be to grasp the next combination. On top of that, the more you think about this stuff in a music theory context, the more you'll see this information as obvious an inevitable. It takes time, but if you focus on one set, one jam track at a time, the next sets will get easier and easier.

Combining these lessons with music theory monday, rubiks cube lessons, and other lessons, you'll slowly start to see how this stuff makes sense in the broader context. And having it make sense in that broader context makes it easier to remember and practice in general.

Try soloing over this jam track in D Major, and use the attached PDF below for reference.

If you'd like to share your progress, frustrations, questions, or discussion ideas for this lesson, head over to the community forum.