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You’ve likely already “got” this- but here’s what stuck in my mind as far as the CAGED system goes……
1. If your brain works in terms of “chord shape” first– then the first thing to consider is the STRING the root note is on. On the root-note string, simply find “the NOTE that names the chord”, and apply chord shape from there. (Note- the other fretted notes can either be “above” OR “below” your root-note, depending on the chord itself).
2. If your brain works in terms of “chord” first– put your chord-shape (with the barre) onto the fretboard and then move it to the location on your target root-note string and note “that names the chord”.
These thoughts worked for me. Both worked equally easily.
Sorry if this sounds confusing.. but to me the most confusing part was what to call it…
Took me awhile to figure out which was “cleaner” in my mind— (for example…)- “an E-shaped D chord” (from method #1 above)…… OR……. “a D chord in an E shape” (method #2 above)…
Tomayto- tomahto. I use both, but prefer #1 because it gives me the root string first, then all I have to do is find the note that names the chord. Seems faster to me…..
As I said- if you’ve already got this– good on ya!
theoldcoach