Capo Calculator
This capo calculator shows which fret the capo has to sit on so that a song sounds in your wanted key: choose the key and read off the matching chord shapes with their chords.
Example: What do you want to know: Capo fret for a wanted key · Wanted key (how the song should sound): D♯ / E♭ · Mode: Major · Notation: International (… A, B, C) → Result: For Eb major: capo at fret 1, shapes in D major. Source: Wikipedia – Capo (capo: shortens the vibrating string length, each fret raises the pitch by one semitone). Updated: .
How it is calculated
If a song should sound in E♭ major, play D shapes with the capo at fret 1 or C shapes with the capo at fret 3. The calculator shows, for every wanted key, which open chord shapes fit with which fret.
How it is calculated
A capo raises every note by one semitone per fret. The wanted key is the chord shape plus the number of frets. The calculator takes your wanted key, subtracts the root of each common chord shape and reports the difference as the capo fret. The table also lists the main chords of the shape, the degrees I, IV and V and their minor relatives. In the second mode you go the other way: chord shape and capo fret give the sounding key.
When a capo makes sense
- The song sits too low for your voice but you want to keep the same easy shapes.
- You accompany someone in a different key and do not want to play barre chords.
- You like the bright sound a high capo gives the guitar.
To rewrite whole lyric sheets use the chord transposer. More music tools: the circle of fifths, the scale tool and the tuner.
Frequently asked questions
Which fret does the capo go on?
The fret is the distance in semitones between the chord shape and the wanted key. If you play G shapes but the song should sound in A major, the capo sits at fret 2.
How many semitones does each fret raise?
Each fret raises all notes by one semitone. Twelve frets would make an octave.
Which chord shapes count as easy?
In major they are C, G, D, A and E, in minor Am, Em and Dm. The calculator shows the shapes that reach the wanted key up to fret 9.
Can I also calculate the sounding key?
Yes, choose the second mode: chord shape and capo fret give the key you hear.
Sources and legal basis
- Wikipedia – Capo (capo: shortens the vibrating string length, each fret raises the pitch by one semitone)
- Wikipedia – Transposition (music): Verschieben um ein festes Intervall
As of: · Editorial policy
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