Transposition chart for capo
A capo, or capo tasto in full length, is a device used for change the key without changing the
tuning. You just attach the capo around the guitar neck on a fret that you chose and the pitch is
raised (place the capo over the fretboard as you would do with your index finger playing a barre
chord, e.i. close to the fret). Sometimes you will see notes like "Capo 3" or "Capo 5". This means
that you would attach the capo around the guitar neck on these frets.
The capo is not at least a splendid solution if you find it difficult to
playbarre chords. With the assistance of a capo you can rearrange the barre chords to open
chords in new positions see the chart below. The capo is also a great tool for those who want to
find new ways in theres guitar playing.
Transpose with help of the capo
The chart below is a guide that helps you find the right chord using a capo.
No capo
Capo 1
Capo 2
Capo 3
Capo 4
Capo 5
Capo 6
Capo 7
C
C#/Db
D
D#/Eb
E
F
F#/Gb
G
D
D#/Eb
E
F
F#/Gb
G
G#/Ab
A
E
F
F#/Gb
G
G#/Ab
A
A#/Bb
B
G
G#/Ab
A
A#/Bb
B
C
C#/Db
D
A
A#/Bb
B
C
C#/Db
D
D#/Eb
E
Dm
D#m/Ebm
Em
Fm
F#m/Gbm
Gm
G#m/Abm
Am
Em
Fm
F#m/Gbm
Gm
G#m/Abm
Am
A#m/Bbm
Bm
Comment
On the top you see the chord names and below them diagrams with chord shapes. The numbers
to the left indicate on which fret the capo is placed. If you place the capo on the third fret and
play the Am chord shape, we find out by the chart that the result will be a Cm chord. You can of
Am
A#m/Bbm
Bm
Cm
C#m/Dbm
Dm
D#m/Ebm
Em
course go further than the seventh fret, but it will be very short of room for your fingers. See
picture of fretboard with notes.
Examples of how the chord changes
C Capo 2 = D | C Capo 4 = E | C Capo 5 = F
D Capo 2 = E | D Capo 3 = F | D Capo 5 = G
E Capo 1 = F | E Capo 3 = G | E Capo 5 = A
G Capo 2 = A | G Capo 4 = B | G Capo 5 = C
A Capo 2 = B | A Capo 3 = C | A Capo 5 = D
Dm Capo 2 = Em | Dm Capo 3 = Fm | Dm Capo 5 = Gm
Em Capo 1 = Fm | Em Capo 3 = Gm | Em Capo 5 = Am
Am Capo 2 = Bm | Am Capo 3 = Cm | Am Capo 5 = Dm
Examples of how the key changes
If you play with a capo on 2nd fret a song with chords like G, C and D will sounding like A major.
If you play with a capo on 4th fret a song with chords like C, F and G will sounding like E major.
You probably get it now...
Choose the right capo
There are many models of a capo nowadays and therefore the price fluctuates a bit. The cheapest
ones with just an elastic band can be bought for a few dollars. But I would recommend capos
that are specially made to fit an arched or a plain guitar neck. The price for these capos varies
between 20 and 40 dollars.
