A guitar capo raises the pitch of all strings by clamping across a fret. With a capo, you play familiar open chord shapes that sound in a higher key. This transposer shows you exactly which open chord shapes to use for any capo position and target key.
Capo Settings
The key the guitar will sound in with the capo
Capo 2 — Sounds in D
Select a target key and capo position to see chord shapes
Full Capo Position Reference Chart
| Open Shape | Cap 1 | Cap 2 | Cap 3 | Cap 4 | Cap 5 | Cap 6 | Cap 7 |
|---|
How to Use the Capo Chord Transposer
The capo chord transposer helps you find which open chord shapes to play when using a capo. This is useful when you want to play a song in a specific key but prefer the sound and ease of open chords over barre chords.
Step 1: Choose Your Target Key
Select the key the guitar should sound in — this is the key the audience hears. For example, if the song is in E major, select E as your target key.
Step 2: Choose a Capo Position
Select how many frets up you want to place the capo. The tool shows you which open chord shapes to play. For example, with capo on fret 4 and target key E, you play C-shaped chords that sound in E.
Step 3: Play the Displayed Shapes
The resulting chord table shows the open-position chord shape for each diatonic chord in your target key. Play the C shape where C is indicated, D shape for D, etc. — with the capo, they sound in your target key.
Why Use a Capo?
A capo lets you play open chord voicings in any key. Open chords have a richer, more resonant sound than barre chords on acoustic guitar. Capos are also essential for matching a singer's vocal range without relearning all chord shapes.
FAQ
Is this capo chord transposer free?
Yes, completely free. Find open chord shapes for any capo position without creating an account or paying anything.
Is my data private?
All calculations run in your browser. No data is sent to any server — your session is completely private.
What does a capo do to guitar chords?
A capo clamps across all strings at a fret, effectively raising the guitar's pitch. Capo on fret 2 raises pitch by 2 semitones. You play open-position chord shapes, but they sound in a higher key.
Why use a capo instead of transposing chords?
A capo lets you play familiar open chord shapes (C, G, D, Em, Am) in any key without learning barre chords. It also gives a brighter, more resonant tone than barre chords on some songs.
How do I find the right capo position?
Decide what key you want to play in (often to match a vocalist's range). Then use this tool to find which capo position + open chord shapes produce that key. Multiple combinations are often possible.
Can I use this for ukulele?
Yes. Ukulele capos work the same way — the capo raises the pitch by one semitone per fret. Enter your target key and capo position to find the open chord shapes to play.
What are the most common capo positions?
Capo 2 (raises 2 semitones) and capo 5 (raises 5 semitones, a perfect fourth) are most common in folk and country. Capo 1, 3, 4, and 7 are also widely used. Rarely used beyond fret 7.