Relative Triads in CAGED

Lesson Overview

Unit: CAGED Guitar Mastery
Lesson: 9 of 20
Duration: 30 minutes
Year Level: 13
Curriculum Area: The Arts – Music (Level 8, NZ Curriculum)
Big Idea: Music is an expression of, and a way of connecting with, culture, identity, place, and time.
Significant Learning: Understanding how chord theory can be applied across the fretboard through the CAGED system.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Identify and play minor triads across all five CAGED shapes.
• Understand the relationship between major and minor triads.
• Apply this knowledge to practical playing and improvisation.

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up & Review (5 mins)

• Discussion: Briefly recap major triads in the CAGED system from the previous lesson.
• Technique Exercise: Play through a basic finger-strengthening drill across all five CAGED positions using major triads.

2. Introduction to Minor Triads (7 mins)

• Mini-Lecture:
  • Explain the difference between major and minor triads (flattening the 3rd note).
  • Discuss how minor triads fit within the CAGED framework.
• Whiteboard Demonstration:
  • Draw each CAGED shape (C, A, G, E, D) showing the relative minor triad positions.

3. Guided Practical Application (10 mins)

• Step-by-Step Fretboard Work:
  • Teach each minor shape on the guitar with a focus on fluency.
  • Use the key of A minor as an example and demonstrate transitions between shapes.
• Chord Progression Challenge:
  • Have the student play a progression using the minor triads while maintaining smooth changes.

4. Improvisation & Creative Application (5 mins)

• Play Along Exercise:
  • Use a looped chord progression in A minor and encourage the student to explore minor triads melodically.
• Reflective Discussion:
  • How does mastering minor triads improve soloing and songwriting?

5. Wrap-Up & Reflection (3 mins)

• Quickfire Questioning: Summarise what was learned about minor triads.
• Homework/Practice Task:
  • Practice transitioning between the major and minor versions of each triad.
  • Compose a short progression using at least three minor triads in the CAGED system.

Teaching Strategies

• Visual Aids: Chord diagrams and fretboard charts.
• Active Engagement: Hands-on practice and exploration.
• Cultural Connection: Discuss the influence of minor chords in Māori and Pacific music.

Assessment & Next Steps

• Formative Assessment: Observe fluency in switching between major and minor triads.
• Next Lesson Preview: Integrating minor triads into full chord progressions within common songs.

This structured approach ensures a balance of theory, practice, and creative application, aligning with NZ education standards. 🚀