When to use Kapo

[David_Leo]

Chord shapes in certain keys are easier to finger: the primary chords in G, C, and D major are generally easier to finger than many others keys. The capo can be used to change to a more difficult key while using the same shapes as an easier key. A good example: a song written in E flat can be played using “D” chord shapes by placing a capo on the first fret. A capo on the first fret alters the tuning of the guitar upward by 1/2 tone. Since E flat is a 1/2 tone above D, the key of D fingerings are now 1/2 tone higher: D becomes E flat, G becomes A flat, etc.

Another use for capos is to select different chord voicing. You could be playing a song in the key of D major using chord shapes D, G and A. I can play along by placing a capo on the second fret using chord shapes C, F and G.

[DHeaton]

I have read your reply a couple of times and I think it makes sense to me now. So, please help me understand a bit further. So if the capo is on the first fret would make a D an E-flat, then moving the capo up to fret two, would make the D fingering and E correct? Where can I learn what cords belong to a certain group? For example, you say a major cord could be C, G, and D. How do I know if I put the capo on the 2nd fret what cord shapes sound like the C, G, and D? I hope that makes sense to you. It even confuses me when I read it.

[Carol-3M-Stillhand]

@DHeaton I understand your question perfectly. Our first position standard cowboy open chords can be played all over the fretboard using different shapes. (Take your familiar C-Shaped C chord) if you move that C-shape up 2 frets (you can’t move the nut up 2 frets so that’s why you need to make your 1st finger the “new nut” aka barre chord with the barre on fret 2). Now you have a C-shaped D chord. It looks like a C but it sounds like a D. Knowing that a D is 2 frets higher than a C, you just move the shape up 2 frets. E is 2 frets higher than D, so move that same C-shaped Barre chord another 2 frets and now you have a C-shaped E chord. F is only one fret higher than E, so the C-shaped F chord is only 1 fret higher than the C-shaped E chord.

You can do that same thing with C, A, G, E and D chord shapes. (CAGED)

Tony P explains it beautifully in his Fretboard Wizard course…

https://tonypolecastro.com/courses/fretboard-wizard/

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Carol-3M-Stillhand.

[the-old-coach]

Carol— This is a GREAT explanation! I have been thru FBW twice– yet never had a CLEAR “grasp” of what you explained so clearly…….. WOW……… Thank you!!!!

[DHeaton]

Thank you Carol for the explanation. I must be a bit slow because it still is confusing me but if I read your comments about 50 times it may make sense to me. haha. Thank you for your time. I have no problems with bar cords so learning what cords work on what frets would be very helpful to me. For example, I have learned that baring the 2nd fret to make a Bm cord is easier than making it with without the bar. I will get it but slowly. Thanks again.

[David_Leo]

In any key there are certain chords that are frequently used. Tony’s Fretboard Wizard course does a good job of explaining this.

[DHeaton]

Thank you both for your replys

[DHeaton]

I would love to use the Fretboard wizard but it was a stretch for me to join Tac and I can not afford to put in another $419 additional. Thanks for the advice though. I appreciate it.

[Kitman]

Hi @DHeaton , there is a course called “Capo Comprehension in the Skills Course area of the site. Perhaps that may help.

[DHeaton]

I did not know that. I will check it out right now. Thanks so much

[N-lightMike]

Hello @DHeaton ;

Hopefully, the Capo Comprehension course that @Kitman suggested will answer your question. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask again.

The simple answer to your original question, is the capo changes the key. It’s like moving the nut up the neck. If you play an E major chord, the 6th string is your lowest E note and is called you “root” note. So as you move that capo up the neck, that note changes. But the relative position of the notes stays the same, so you are still playing a major chord.

The note on the 6th string and 5th fret is an A. So if you put the capo on the 5th fret, your open 6th string will be an A note. If you play an E chord, or more accurately, an E “shaped” chord, you will be playing an A major chord.

This is called a moveable chord. This is possible because the relationship between the strings remains the same. When you move from the 6th string to the 5th string, you are moving up in pitch the same amount as if you move up on one string 5 frets. So the 5th fret on the 6th string is an A, and matches the open 5th string.

I hope this helps.

MG 😀

[DHeaton]

It really does. Thanks so much

[N-lightMike]

👍😊