Cage fight! This match up of chords and scales will improve your leads
(Image credit: Future)
Okay, stick with us here! We all know that scales aren’t that exciting, but the CAGED system will transform the way you play.
You already know open C, A, G, E and D chords, right? The CAGED system plots these beginner-friendly shapes across the fretboard as barre chords, helping you play all the way up and down the neck.
To transfer this to lead guitar, you’ll be linking a scale with each chord, and that’s not as hard as it sounds. The chords are relatively easy and the scales have similar finger patterns, so you’ll soon be blazing around the fretboard.
1. C Shape
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(Image credit: Future)
Play an open C shape, move it up two frets and make sure to use a barre. You’ll get this D chord.
(Image credit: Future)
This is the D major scale. It’s so similar to the chord shape that you can jam around both.
2. A Shape
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(Image credit: Future)
Another D, but this time our barre chord is based on an open A chord shape.
(Image credit: Future)
Just like before, the scale and chord are similar enough that both lead and rhythm are on the cards.
3. G Shape
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(Image credit: Future)
Okay, this chord is a toughie but it doesn’t matter! Especially if you’re thinking about a lead lick.
(Image credit: Future)
Again, the scale and the chord share notes. Try making up a lick using notes from both shapes.
4. E Shape
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(Image credit: Future)
Hopefully you’re starting to get the idea. Here’s another D barre chord but using an E shape.
(Image credit: Future)
Are you getting it yet? The chords are easy to remember, so hook your scale-based licks around them.
5. D Shape
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(Image credit: Future)
Here’s the fifth and final one - a familiar open D shape, but all the way up at 12th position.
(Image credit: Future)
Once again, both chord and scale use similar finger patterns. Try jamming with both.
Rock-style CAGED lick
(Image credit: Future)
If you still don’t quite get why the CAGED system is so transformative, take a look at this lick. The backing chops away on a D chord. It could get dull, but the lead guitar covers the whole fretboard, expanding on the scale shapes we’ve looked at. Like we say, link a scale with a chord you’re soloing over and you’ll never run out of licks!
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Chris was Editor of Total Guitar magazine from 2020 until its closure in 2024, when he became Lesson Editor for Guitar World, MusicRadar and Guitar Player. Prior to taking over as Editor, he helmed Total Guitar's world-class tab and tuition section for 12 years, helping thousands of guitarists learn how to play the instrument. A former guitar teacher, Chris trained at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford, UK, and held a degree in Philosophy & Popular Music. During his career, Chris interviewed guitar legends including Brian May and Jimmy Page, while championing new artists such as Yungblud and Nova Twins. Chris was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in April 2024 and died in May 2025.
