The Capo Transposition Chart
A capo lets you play in any key using simple open chord shapes. This chart shows what key you're in based on your chord shapes and capo position:
| Shape | No Capo | Capo 1 | Capo 2 | Capo 3 | Capo 4 | Capo 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | C | C# | D | Eb | E | F |
| G | G | Ab | A | Bb | B | C |
| D | D | Eb | E | F | F# | G |
| A | A | Bb | B | C | C# | D |
| E | E | F | F# | G | Ab | A |
Best Capo Positions by Key
Key of Bb: Capo 1 + A shapes, or Capo 3 + G shapes Key of B: Capo 2 + A shapes, or Capo 4 + G shapes Key of Eb: Capo 1 + D shapes, or Capo 3 + C shapes Key of Ab: Capo 1 + G shapes, or Capo 4 + E shapes Key of F: Capo 1 + E shapes, or Capo 5 + C shapes
Try With Capo on Fret 2
GCDEm
These G shapes become A, D, E, F#m — the key of A!
Next Steps
Master the capo basics and understand keys to know why transposition works.