What Is a Capo and How to Use It
A capo is a clamp that presses all the strings at one fret, acting like a movable nut. It raises every open string by one half step per fret, so you can play easy open chord shapes in higher keys.
How a capo changes the key
Each fret you move the capo up raises every note by a half step. A song in the key of A with the capo on fret 2 and G-shaped chords sounds as A, because G raised by two half steps is A.
Finding the new chord names
If you play the shape of a chord with the capo on fret N, the chord that sounds is the shape raised by N half steps. Capo 2 with C shape sounds like D; capo 3 with G shape sounds like Bb; capo 5 with E shape sounds like A.
Why use a capo?
- To play a song in a key that suits your voice while keeping easy chord shapes.
- To get the bright, ringing sound of open strings in higher keys.
- To play along with a recording in a different key without learning barre chords.
Placing it correctly
Put the capo right behind the fret wire (on the side of the tuning pegs), not in the middle of the fret and not on top of the wire. Press just enough to get a clean sound, because too much pressure bends the strings sharp.
Related
FAQ
Does a capo change the tuning?
It raises the pitch of every string by the number of frets it covers, but the relationships between the strings stay the same. You then tune the guitar normally before attaching the capo.
Where should the capo go?
Directly behind the fret (towards the headstock), as close to the fret wire as possible.
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