Learning How To Use Capos Experiment in Chords
by Adam Dolge
Music is one of the purest ways to evoke emotion. And one of the best ways for a guitarist to experiment with that musical emotion is through chord structures and colorings using capos.
A capo is a clamp with a small piece of rubber that attaches to the frets of a guitar to press down certain
strings. Capos come in various forms. In the simplest form, a capo changes the pitch of a guitar, transposing
the key of a song by whole or half steps. For guitarists looking to take their playing to the next level, understanding
how to properly use a capo is essential.
You can play just about any song with or without a capo since, in general, a capo merely changes the key of a song.
Some songs played in a higher register sound better, while some guitarists opt to use a capo for open chords.
Many famous songs can be performed with capos. For example, when Bob Dylan plays “Just Like a Woman,” he’s
likely using a capo on the fourth fret. In the song “Hotel California,” one of The Eagles’ guitarists uses a capo. Technically,
these songs do not require a capo, but it makes them much easier to play, and provides a different sound than if
the songs were played in a low register.
How It Works
Standard capos cover all six strings, a drop “D” capo presses all but one string down, a short-cut capo covers three
strings, and a third-hand capo allows players to choose just which strings they’d like to capo.
Not only are there different kinds of capos, there are many different capo designs. Among the most common are
spring-loaded capos that quickly and easily attach to the neck. Another common capo is built with an elastic-fabric
strap that wraps around the back of the neck. Finally, some capos come with a screw that allows you to adjust how tight
it’s attached. All these variations have their advantages and disadvantages. The key is to use what you like best and what
works for your playing style.
Capo in Action
Placing a capo on the frets of a guitar raises the pitch of the strings by reducing their length. A guitar in standard
tuning—E, A, D, G, B, E—with a capo on the second fret, suddenly is a whole note higher—F#, B, E, A, C#, F#. Any
chord made with the capo on the second fret is a whole note higher than it would be in standard turning. The D
major chord becomes the E major chord, while A minor becomes B minor.
With a capo on the seventh fret, open strings are now B, E, A, D, F#, B. Playing the same D major form now
makes the chord an A major, while an A minor becomes an E minor.
This is especially useful if you are jamming with a singer who needs you to transpose a song’s key to one they are
more comfortable with. If the chord progression of the song is G, A minor, C, D, and it’s too low for the singer,
try playing the same progression with a capo on the second fret. Now the progression is A, B minor, D, E.
Knowing some basic chord theory will help you learn partial capo techniques.
Remember, chord names are based on their root notes. Barring the D, G, and B strings on the second fret, while
playing the open A string, is an A major because the root note (which is usually the lowest note) is an A. When
you put a capo on the fifth fret and play the same A formation, the chord becomes a D major because the
root note is now a D.
With this in mind, try to think of keys and chords that have E or B notes—it will give you a roadmap to partial
capos. Place a partial capo on the seventh fret, on the A, D, G, and B strings. These strings are now E, A, D, and
F# Try playing an A formation chord, as if the capo was the nut of the guitar, leaving both E strings open. Since
the lowest note, the root note, is an E, the chord is an E major. Now play a G formation chord. This chord is
actually a D since the lowest note is a D, played on the E string.
A common tuning for guitar is drop D—shifting the low E a whole step to a D. This would require a change in
tuning, but by using a capo on the second fret, leaving the low E open, you’ll get the same effect as drop D tuning.
Try playing a D chord with a drop D capo on the second fret.
This is actually an E chord. Hear the difference?
Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve purchased a few capos and mastered the basics, try experimenting to create different tunings.
Place a Drop D capo on the second fret, along with a short-cut capo on the fourth fret on the A, D, and G
strings, leaving the low E string open. Use this setup to easily play in the key of B (which will borrow the forms
of chords as if you were playing in G). Play a C formation chord, leaving the low E string open, the chord is actually
an Eadd9. Now play a G chord, which is now a B chord, followed by a D chord, which is actually an F#.
