Formula 1 3 5, so Cmajor = C E G, the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the Cmajor scale c d e f g a b c
Because the major triad chords C, A, G, E and D can be played with 3 fingers, they can be shifted up the fretboard as barre chords. This is what gives the CAGED system its name, because you can use these chord-shapes to identify patterns all over the neck -
C: x32010 (4finger alternatives 332010 or x32013)
A: x02220
G: 320003 (4finger alternative 320033)
E: 022100
xx0232
Here are the all the major triad chords that can be played in open postion
A: x02220
Bb: x10331
B: x21402
C: x32010 (4finger alternatives 332010 or x32013)
xx0232
Eb: x65046
E: 022100
F: 103211 (partial barre with index finger over strings 1 & 2)
G: 320003 (4finger alternative 320033)
Comments
I'm a bit partial to
x32030, Cadd9 which is the major triad with an added D note.
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)