How to Use a Capo on Guitar

A capo is a small clamp that changes the key of a song without changing the chord shapes you play. It is one of the most useful things a guitarist can keep in the case.

What a capo does

A capo presses all six strings down at one fret. Everything you play after that sounds higher. Each fret raises the pitch by a half step, so a capo on the second fret makes a G chord shape sound as an A.

Why players use one

• To match a singer. Move the capo until the song sits in a comfortable range.
• To keep easy chords. Play open chord shapes in keys that would otherwise need barre chords.
• To change the sound. Chords played higher up the neck ring brighter.

Where to put it

Place the capo just behind the fret, close to the metal but not on top of it. That takes the least pressure and keeps the strings from buzzing. Make sure it sits straight across all six strings.

Two common types

A spring capo opens with one hand and moves between songs in a second. The Kyser Quick-Change is the well known example. An adjustable capo lets you set the clamping pressure so it holds the strings without pulling them sharp. The Shubb C1 works that way.

Check your tuning

Clamping can pull strings slightly sharp. After you put the capo on, play a chord and touch up the tuning if needed. A tuner makes that fast. See how to tune a guitar.

If it buzzes

Move the capo closer to the fret and check that it is straight. If strings buzz even without a capo, the guitar may need a setup. Every instrument we ship is set up by hand on our bench in Athens, Tennessee first. Read what a guitar setup is to see what that covers.

Find capos, tuners and more in accessories.