Guitar Capo Chart
Find the perfect capo position and chord shapes for any key. Interactive chart with reverse lookup.
Select Mode
View all chord transpositions for each capo position
| Capo | C open | D open | E open | F barre | G open | A open | Am open | Dm open | Em open |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | |||||||||
| 1 | |||||||||
| 2 | |||||||||
| 3 | |||||||||
| 4 | |||||||||
| 5 | |||||||||
| 6 | |||||||||
| 7 | |||||||||
| 8 | |||||||||
| 9 | |||||||||
| 10 | |||||||||
| 11 | |||||||||
| 12 |
How to Use the Capo Chart
- •Capo Chart Mode: See what chord each shape becomes at different capo positions. Green = easy open chords, yellow = barre chords.
- •Reverse Lookup Mode: Select your target key and see all possible capo + chord shape combinations that produce that key.
- •Click any chord to copy it to your clipboard for easy reference while playing.
- •Easy chord shapes (C, D, E, G, A, Am, Em, Dm) are highlighted in green and are generally more beginner-friendly.
Popular Capo Positions
What is a Capo?
A capo (short for capotasto, Italian for "head of fretboard") is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to raise the pitch of all the strings simultaneously. For guitarists, it's an essential tool that expands your playing possibilities without requiring you to learn new chord shapes.
When you clamp a capo onto a particular fret, it effectively shortens the vibrating length of all strings equally. This means that the same fingering patterns you already know will produce different chords. For example, if you place a capo on the 2nd fret and play what looks like a C chord shape, the actual sound will be a D chord.
Capos are particularly useful for:
- •Matching a singer's range: Adjust the key to fit your or your vocalist's comfortable range without learning new chord voicings.
- •Playing in difficult keys easily: Keys with many sharps or flats often require barre chords. A capo lets you use open chord shapes instead.
- •Achieving a brighter tone: The shorter string length creates a brighter, more resonant sound that works great for many styles.
- •Creating unique voicings: Advanced players use partial capos or multiple capos to create unusual tunings and chord voicings.
How Capo Changes Your Guitar's Key
Understanding how a capo affects pitch is straightforward once you grasp one concept: each fret represents one semitone (half step) in Western music. There are 12 semitones in an octave, corresponding to the 12 unique notes: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, and B.
When you place a capo on any fret, you're raising the pitch of every string by that many semitones:
This relationship is consistent for all chord shapes. If you play a G chord shape with capo on fret 2, you'll hear an A chord. Play an Am shape with capo on fret 3, you'll hear a Cm chord. Our capo chart above shows all these transpositions at a glance.
Pro Tip: Use the "Reverse Lookup" mode in our tool to work backwards. If you know you want to play in the key of E but prefer C chord shapes, the tool will tell you to use capo 4.
Popular Capo Positions for Famous Songs
Many hit songs use specific capo positions to achieve their signature sound. Here are some famous examples:
Capo 2
- ♪Wonderwall - OasisKey of F#m, play Em shapes
- ♪Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green DayKey of D, play C shapes
- ♪Blackbird - The BeatlesKey of G, fingerpicking patterns
Capo 3
- ♪Hallelujah - Jeff BuckleyKey of C, play A shapes
- ♪Champagne Supernova - OasisKey of Bb, play G shapes
- ♪Fast Car - Tracy ChapmanKey of Eb, play C shapes
Capo 4
- ♪Love Story - Taylor SwiftKey of E, play C shapes
- ♪Photograph - Ed SheeranKey of E, play C shapes
- ♪Here Comes the Sun - The BeatlesKey of A, play fingerpicking
Capo 5
- ♪No Woman No Cry - Bob MarleyKey of C, play G shapes
- ♪Karma Police - RadioheadKey of Am, play Em shapes
- ♪The Scientist - ColdplayKey of F, play C shapes
Notice that many singer-songwriters like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay frequently use capo positions 4-5. This allows them to use simple open chord shapes (C, G, Am, F) while still playing in keys that suit their vocal range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a guitar capo?
A capo is a device that clamps onto the guitar neck to raise the pitch of all strings by the same number of semitones. This allows you to play in different keys using the same chord shapes, making difficult keys easier to play.
How does a capo change the key?
Each fret represents one semitone (half step). When you place a capo on the 2nd fret and play a C chord shape, it actually sounds as D. The capo effectively becomes the new "nut" of the guitar, raising all pitches.
What are the most common capo positions?
The most popular capo positions are frets 2, 3, 4, and 5. Capo 2 is great for keys like D and A. Capo 3 works well for Eb and Bb. Capo 4 is famously used by Taylor Swift and works for E, B, and F#. Capo 5 is popular for F and C.
Do I need a capo to play guitar?
No, a capo is optional but highly useful. It allows you to match the key of a singer's voice, play open chord shapes in difficult keys, and achieve brighter tones. Many songs are specifically arranged with capo positions in mind.
Can I use a capo on acoustic and electric guitars?
Yes, capos work on both acoustic and electric guitars, as well as classical guitars. However, make sure to choose the right type of capo for your guitar neck width and string tension.
How do I know which capo position to use for a song?
Check the original song's key, then use our capo chart to find which capo position lets you play comfortable open chord shapes. For example, if a song is in E but you want to play C chord shapes, use capo 4.