Using a capo is one of the best ways to change your guitar sounds without barring the frets. Not only does it free your hands to perform new chords, but it also raises the pitch. However, music theory can be quite complicated. Adding a capo into the mix changes all of the chords. But is it enough to alter the way you play the guitar?
Chords change by one semitone per fret when you add a capo. For example, a G chord becomes a G sharp, an A chord becomes an A sharp, and so on. You can change your chord shapes to make the same sounds you’re used to playing without a capo. Make sure you remove the capo when you’re done.
If a capo isn’t enough, learn how to transpose music by hand in a few steps.
Related: how do guitar chords work? music theory explained and how to transpose guitar chords to any key.
In this post, we’ll break down what a capo does to your guitar chords, how you can use it to your advantage, and why some capos affect your guitar’s intonation.
What is a Capo and How Does a Capo Change Chords?
A capo makes your guitar sound higher pitched by increasing the semitones. Every fret is one semitone increase, so everything will go up the higher you move up the fretboard. It’s important to know that the sound doesn’t just get a little higher; The chords you play will require different hand positions.
Capos can change everything about the way you play the guitar. Whether you have an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, or a bass guitar, capos make everything unique and fun. It’s best to stick to one fret once you know which one you prefer the most. Switching around too often will make you have to constantly relearn the chords.
Don’t let that worry you, though. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about changing your chords when you attach a capo to any guitar.
To see which shapes to play in any key, try our free chord transposer and capo finder.
Keep a printable capo chord chart on your music stand: it shows the sounding key for every shape on frets 1–7.
How Do You Change Guitar Chords With a Capo? How To Use A Capo
To change guitar chords with a capo, follow these instructions:
- Play a major chord (such as a C Major) without a capo. C chords are made with an E, C, and G. Play this chord anywhere on the fretboard (preferably as close to the headstock as possible). Keep each position on the string in mind to know where you’re supposed to place your fingers. For example, the E would become an E sharp with a capo on the first fret.
- Place the capo on the first fret and play the chord with the same C Major shape. You’ll notice the C Major chord sounds familiar but a bit higher. You can use this chord in the same position or switch it to follow the aforementioned E C G pattern. However, this new sound won’t technically be a C Major.
- Go up one fret with the capo for every semitone (half note) you want to increase the chords. You can use this pattern to form brand-new hand positions for each chord. Just for reference, your chord positions will look completely different when you add a capo. Again, you can keep the same position if you enjoy the tone.
- Try numerous capo frets until you like whichever one you land on. Many well-known songs have a capo on the second fret. However, you can play those same songs on any fret. Keep in mind that the key will be different, but the song will simply sound higher pitched than usual.
- Find your favorite chords on the new fretboard. Try the capo chord chart by Live About. It contains all of the chord changes you need to know before using a capo. Transfer any of your desired songs to a different sound with the same chords. This process takes a little while, but it’s more than worth it.
We recommend moving up a fret until you find one that makes all of your favorite chords as easy as possible. You can also keep the same chord positions while moving the apo up the fretboard to create new, engaging chords. Playing up the fretboard adds countless unique renditions to your music.
Does a Capo Make Chords Easier?
A capo makes chords easier because it reduces the tension required, you don’t have to stretch your fingers as far to reach the strings, and there’s no need to bar the frets. Furthermore, adding a capo to your guitar lets you play plenty of professional songs that require higher octaves while producing a clearer melody.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each of these reasons:
- Reduced tension required: According to Guitar Domination, you don’t need to push as hard on the strings because they’re closer to the bridge. Most strings get easier to compress the further down the neck you go. If you’re having trouble fretting the chords, a capo can work wonders.