The Capo Caper

If you're looking for a quick way to transpose guitar chords, then you'll want to use a capo. These nifty little gadgets are a great way to change keys WITHOUT changing all the chord shapes you've been using to play the song. Capos can also be especially handy if you've spent a lot of time learning a fingerstyle guitar piece, but decide you want to change the key. Instead of having to rewrite all the fingering, just put the capo on, and presto- you're in a new key WITHOUT changing any of the fingering.

Capos are really easy to use once you understand how to identify the key note of a chord. For example, when you play the C major chord you will find that the key note (which is the note C in this chord) is on the first fret of the second string. Your
first finger is on the note C when you play the C major chord. If you put a capo on at the first fret and play the same chord shape, you will then have a C# major chord. If you move the capo up to the second fret and again play the same chord shape, you will have a D major chord, and so on.

View Notes On The Fretboard Here

Lets try the same experiment using the open chord shape of D major. Begin by asking yourself: "which finger is playing the note D in this chord shape?" Did you pick your third finger? If so, congratulations- You got it right! Now, put a capo on the third fret. What note is your third finger on now when you play the D major chord shape? The answer is F. That means when you have your capo on the third fret and play the D major chord shape you are really playing an F major chord.

Get a friend to strum the F major chord at the first fret while you strum the F major chord with your capo on the third fret using the D major chord shape . Even though the chord with the capo sounds higher, it is still an F major chord and blends nicely with the F major chord played at the first fret. This is a good technique to use when two guitarists in a band are both playing the same chord sequence. Having one of then add a capo will help to create more interest and color to the song.

My advice is to take some time to get familiar with using a capo. It will seem weird at first if you're not used to it. Start with a song you know pretty well and try playing it all the way through with a capo on. Then see if you can identify the chords of the key that you are really in. In order to do this proficiently, you will discover that it is necessary for you to know the notes on the fretboard. This is a good incentive for you to get these notes down. After all, the more you know the better equiped you'll be in the long run.