How to use a capo on guitar

Putting the capo on fret n shortens every string by the same amount, which raises each note by n semitones. Fingerings do not change: you play the same shapes, counted from the capo, which takes the place of the nut.

The rule fits in one line: sound = shape + capo. With a capo on the 2nd fret, a G shape sounds as A; on the 3rd fret, as B flat; on the 5th fret, as C.

To sing in your own range: if a song in G is too low for you, a capo on the 2nd or 3rd fret raises it without relearning anything.

To play a song in its original key with simple chords: a song in B flat needs a lot of barre chords, but with a capo on the 3rd fret it can be played with G, C and D shapes.

For the sound: open strings ring out, which gives open chords a color barre chords do not have. With two guitars, one without a capo and the other with different shapes, the sound gets richer.

To find the fret, count the semitones from the key of your shapes up to the key you want. To play in B flat with G shapes: from G to B flat there are 3 semitones (G – G# – A – Bb), so capo on the 3rd fret.

Some settings that come up often: F with E shapes (capo 1), D shapes (capo 3) or C shapes (capo 5). B flat with A shapes (capo 1) or G shapes (capo 3). E flat with D shapes (capo 1) or C shapes (capo 3). B with A shapes (capo 2) or G shapes (capo 4).

Above the 7th fret the sound gets thin and the frets crowded, so the app suggests frets 0 to 7 and picks the one where the most chords become open chords.

Place it just behind the fret, like a finger, and straight. Too far from the fret and the strings buzz; on top of the fret and they sound muted.

Do not clamp too hard: a capo that is too tight pulls the strings sharp. After putting it on, check the tuning and adjust if needed.

Chord sheets usually write the shapes you play, with a note such as "capo 3". Others write the chords that actually sound. To avoid confusion between musicians, say both: "capo 3, G shapes, sounds in B flat".

The app's Song tab shows the fret, the shapes to play and the resulting key when you paste a chord sheet.