What is a capo?

A capo is a clamp that attaches across the guitar neck, pressing down all six strings at once and raising their pitch so you can play familiar chord shapes in a new key.

For example: putting a capo on the second fret raises the lowest notes of each string up two half steps from the tuning. The guitar now behaves as if it's tuned higher, but your hand still plays the exact same shapes you already know.

Capos come in a few different types, including partial capos that only cover some of the strings. Most worship guitarists use the six string version.

Why guitarists use a capo

To play in a key that's awkward without a capo. Some keys require barre chords or unfamiliar shapes if played without a capo. A capo lets you use chord shapes you already but played up the guitar neck with a capo in a key that would otherwise be difficult.

To match a singer's range. A song might sit comfortably for a vocalist in one key but require a guitarist to play uncomfortable shapes. A capo allows you to play chords in a different key (like Db).

Where capo position shows up

Chord charts that use a capo will usually list it right next to the key, something like:

  • Key A, Capo 2

That tells you the song is performed in the key of A, but guitarists may use a capo to play chord shapes in the key of G.

Every song on this site lists the capo position alongside the key for exactly this reason.

  • How do I use a capo? - placement, mechanics, and how the shape you play differs from the sound you get
  • Fret - the part of the neck a capo clamps behind
  • Nut - what the capo temporarily replaces once it's on
  • Barre chord - a way to get a similar effect using your finger instead of a capo
  • Chord chart - capo position is often listed right next to the key at the top
  • Chord voicing - a capo changes which voicing you're playing without changing the shape in your hand
What is a bridge in a worship song?What is a chord chart?