What Does a Capo Do? (Improving Music in a Subtle Way)

Have you ever wondered how guitarists seamlessly switch between different keys during a performance? Similarly, you will also notice that they manage to play songs suited to a certain vocal range. A little tool called a capo holds all the secrets. 

You’ve probably heard of this a lot but do you know what a capo does? A capo is a guitar accessory that fastens around a guitar’s neck. This is an essential tool that you can use to alter the instrument’s key. So today let’s take an in-depth into what a capo is. We will also cover what it is used for, and how you can use it for your music! 

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Key Takeaways – What Does A Capo Do?

A capo is a small device that a guitarist can use to change keys without changing fingerings. This simple gadget helps you play songs in keys different from the original without having to relearn the complex chord shapes. It clamps on the guitar neck effectively shortening the length of the string, hence raising pitch. 

What Is a Capo? – Understand The Little Tool

A capo is a small, commonly plastic, metallic, or elastic accessory that fits onto a guitar neck. Essentially, it shortens the vibrating length of the strings, raising the pitch of the instrument. The key of your guitar can easily be changed by clamping the capo at any other position of the fret, keeping the finger positions all the same.

Assume for the moment that fret two has the capo. At fret two, it will compress every string down and maintain that pressure. As so, it sounds as if you are simultaneously playing a note on all six strings with your finger at fret two.

A technique known as a “barre” would be executed if you were to put your index finger on all six strings at fret two and press down with enough power to guarantee that all of the notes at fret two are heard clearly on each string. Though guitarists use this barre technique often, if you are just starting, you may not have tried it yet, and it will take you a few weeks to get the hang of it.

The same effect can be obtained much more easily by attaching a capo to a guitar. At certain frets, you might claim that the capo creates a permanent barre. Let’s now see what a capo does and why you would want to use one.

What Does A Capo Do?

The unfretted, or “open,” strings of your guitar can be temporarily shortened with a capo. It raises the pitch and changes the key of open-position chords. The chords you may play in the open position and the open pitches of the strings are both controlled by the position of the capo. When you use a capo, you may keep playing the chord shapes you’re familiar with, making it easier to sing along or jam with other musicians.

It ensures that every string on the guitar is held down at that particular fret at all times. The rubber components of the capo press the strings down against the fretboard. Additionally, it also saves the wood on the neck from getting scratched. 

You can connect the capo across any fret, but let’s use the one on the 2nd fret again for example. With the capo in place, the notes played while the strings are open (E, A, D, G, B, and E) will not be audible. The correct sequence is F#, B, E, A, C#, and F#.

Compared to the standard open string sounds, they are “one scale higher” or “whole step” (two frets) higher. To make a C chord (above the capo) sound like a D chord, imagine fret three as fret one and play the chord normally.

You would hear Bm, A, and D chords if you performed a song in the key of D major instead of C major, which would be the original key with Am, G, and C chords. To increase the volume by one key, just lift the capo by one fret. To better suit one’s vocal range is the most typical justification for altering a song’s key.

The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” is a great example of a capo-ed guitar sound. With the capo set on the seventh fret, the guitar takes on a luminous, mandolin-like tone. The chord sequence sounds to be in A major even though it is in D major without the capo.

Notably, the tuning of your guitar strings may also be impacted by employing a capo. The strings may go somewhat out of tune when you clamp a capo on a fret because the string lengths alter. To compensate for this, you may need to adjust your tuning slightly after applying the capo.

Song examples:

1. Typically played with a capo on the second fret, “Wonderwall” by Oasis transposes the key from E major to F# major.
2. Eric Clapton’s moving ballad “Tears in Heaven” was often performed with Clapton transposing the key from D major to D# major using a capo on the first fret.

How To Use A Capo To Change Keys? (Step-By-Step Guide) 

Changes of keys with a capo are rather easy once you get the hang of it. It may seem a little difficult at first. For proper usage of your capo, see this comprehensive instruction. 

1. Choose the Right Capo

Spring-loaded, screw-on, and strap-on capos are among the numerous types of capos. Common and easiest to use are spring-loaded capos. Though a little more precise, screw-on caps are a nuisance to put on and take off. The least popular but sometimes beneficial with some guitars are strap-on caps. Get one that is easy for you to put on and take off and fits well onto your guitar.

2. Choose the Key You Want

Select the key you want to perform in. The capo allows you to increase the pitch of a song to a key that works for your voice or playing style if you know the original key. A song written in the key of C, for instance, would be played in the key of D with the capo placed on the second fret.

3. Find the Right Fret

Once you know the key you desire, find out which fret you will place the capo on. Here is a general rule to follow:

• Raise the pitch of the capo one fret = 1 semitone
• Raise the pitch of the capo two frets = 2 semitones (1 whole tone)

For example:

• For a song in D major originally in C major, put the capo on 2nd fret
• For a song in E major, put the capo on 4th fret.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to use a capo:

• Position the Capo: Correctly The ideal position is just behind the fret, not on top of it. This guarantees correct fretting of all strings, free from buzzing or out-of-tune pitches. It would buzz the strings if it was too near to the fret wire. If it were too far, it might not press the strings down hard enough.
• Secure the Capo: If it is too loose, the strings will buzz and sound choked. If too tight, it can pull the strings sharp, making the guitar out of tune.
• Check Your Tuning: After putting on a capo, sometimes it can cause your guitar to pull slightly out of tune—especially if the capo is on very tight. Put the capo on and then check your tuning. Make any little changes that may be necessary. Be sure your instrument is in tune by packing a tuner.
• Play Your Chords: Now you can play all the chords you know just like you always have played them. The capo will make the guitar sound in a different key because it has raised the pitch the guitar is playing. For example, a G chord played with a capo on the second fret will sound like an A chord.

Example: Changing the Key from C to D

• Original Chords (Key of C): C, F, G
• Capo Placement: 2nd fret
• New Chords (Key of D): Play C as if it’s a D, F as if it’s a G, G as if it’s an A.

You are playing the same chord shapes, just in a different key, thereby making it much easier to fit your vocal range or the style of the song.

4. Experiment with Different Placements

Try out many capo positions to discover how they impact your guitar’s tone. In this manner, every neck position produces a distinct tone, from deep and mellow to bright and vibrant. This can be very good in the shaping of the right sound for each song or arrangement.

Remember that practice is the key to using a capo. You will feel more at ease transposing keys and adjusting your playing as a result the more accustomed you are. Try out many capos and application methods to see what suits you and your playing style the best.

Do I Need a Capo as a Beginner?

Playing the guitar does not always require a capo. You can play a lot of easy tunes without one. Still, for beginners, a capo may be useful, particularly when learning open chord forms. Using a capo facilitates finger placement between the strings, eases pushing the strings, and prevents you from extending your hands to reach notes. 

Though not necessarily required, a capo may be a useful instrument for beginners. It may aid in playing songs in several different keys if the original one is too difficult. Learning to play without a capo and being comfortable with various chord forms and keys are equally crucial.

If you are a beginner, learning and playing songs might be more enjoyable, so you could want to acquire a capo. You’ll find as you become better that a capo is an invaluable tool that can help you play better and expand your repertory.

5 Popular Songs to Play with a Capo

You unlock the potential to play a wide variety of songs just by using simple chord shapes when you use a capo. So here are the Top 5 Popular songs to play with a capo -with detailed instructions on how to play them:

1. Oasis – Wonderwall

Capo: 2nd fret

Chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, Cadd9

How to Play:

• Set the second fret as your capo.
• Played in the intro is Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4.
• Cadd9, Em7, G, Em7, G, Dsus4 is a little different chorus progression.
• Here, the rhythm of strum is down, down, up, up, down, up.

For beginners, “Wonderwall” is a good song to learn; the majority of the chord forms are fairly simple, and the song’s distinctive sound is achieved by placing a capo on the second fret. The song’s chord sequence repeats, so it’s not too difficult to recall.

2. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

Capo Position: 7th fret

Played With: D, G, A7, E7, F#m, Bm7

How to Play:

• Put your capo on the seventh fret.
• The chords in the intro are D, G, A7.
• The pattern for the verses is D, G, D, E7, A7.
• This bridge uses F#m, Bm7, E7, A7.
• Strumming might be a little hard but it is more about the feel. So do a lot of down-up strums together.

“Here Comes the Sun” is a great song that works great with a capo; it’s pretty high, so it sounds bright and sunny and, of course, totally in the theme of the song. It’s a bit tougher, though, because of the fingerpicking and rhythm patterns, but it’s one of the really rewarding ones.

3. Free Fallin – Tom Petty

Capo Position: 1st fret

Chords Utilized: D, G, A

How to Play:

• Put your capo on the first fret.
• The most commonly played and repeated chord progression in this song is D, G, A.
• The strumming is plain with many downstrokes thrown in here and there and random upstrokes to get a continuous rhythm.

“Free Fallin'” is very beginner-friendly in the sense that it utilizes a simple chord progression and easy strumming pattern. The capo, up on the first fret, puts it into the key of Tom Petty’s voice and makes the song sound like it does.

4. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

Capo Position: 5th fret

Chords Used: G, Em, C, D

How to Play:

• Apply your capo to the fifth fret.
• The verse has the chord sequence G, Em, G, Em, C, D, G, D.
• The chorus is played using the chord sequence C, D, G, Em, C, D, G.
• Strumming freely and letting the chords ring out completely, remember to use a hefty hand on the downstrokes.

The pitch of “Hallelujah” is raised so much by the capo on the fifth fret that it takes on a frightening feel. However, novices may easily and friendably learn the chords.

5. The A-Team – Ed Sheeran

Capo Position: 2nd fret

Chords Used: G, D, Em, C

How to Play:

• Capo on the second fret. 
• The verse chord progression is G, D, Em, C. 
• The chorus is the same chord progression as the verse: G, D, Em, C. 
• The strumming pattern is soft and rhythmic, using a mix of downstrokes and upstrokes to create a flowing rhythm.

“The A-Team” is one of those modern classics that suits the inclusion of a capo. It is easy to learn because of the repetitive nature and the simple chord progression; it’s great for getting to grips with some nice easy changes and that lovely light strumming technique.

Is Capo Really Important? 

Certain kinds of songs or situations might benefit from a guitar capo. It can switch keys on the guitar and alter its tone all with the same chord fingerings. Put the capo on the second fret, for instance, and use the same chords and fingerings to alter a composition from D to E.

The use of a capo has the following advantages:

• Changing the key of a song: A capo is most usually used for this purpose. Put the capo on a certain fret to raise the pitch of the open strings and thus transpose the song into a new key. This makes playing along with others in different keys or modifying a song to fit your voice range much simpler.
• Changing Chord Voicing: You can create unique chord voicings and soundscapes using a capo that you couldn’t do with open chords alone.
• Making barre chords easier: Beginners may find barre chords easier to play since a capo lowers the nut and shortens the distance you must press down the strings.

Use The Guitar Capo More Efficiently!

All guitarists need to own a capo. As a guitarist, I’ve attempted several times to make music, but I just can’t seem to get the ideas flowing. But just by switching up the capo, you can turn the sound of a single chord into a whole other experience.

Without having to memorize a huge number of complex bar chords, a capo lets you experiment with playing guitar at a higher pitch. Their affordability is another factor in their great popularity. Give one a try if you haven’t used one before.