Guitar Capo Key Chart

Clicking or tapping the buttons in this virtual capo key chart will let you know what chords to finger if youve got a capo on your guitar. To get a smoother experience, try navigating through the whole thing with your computer keyboard instead. Simply hold down an open chord shape you’re familiar with behind a capo at any fret and the widget tell you exactly what that sounds like. From there select one of the chord shapes above from the row of buttons along the top. Each button represent an open chord that you are familiar with (C, A, G, D, E etc.).

As you click each shape, it will be highlighted and the chart beneath will change to indicate which notes to play. Wherever you place the capo makes no difference to the shape you play. You simply form it physically on the fret board. Having this difference allows you to better understand how the sound relates to what you are seeing.

How to Use the Virtual Capo Chart

Then use the next button row to set the capo position. These buttons represent fret numbers (one being the first fret). The button row starts with none for open position, and as you move the capo, each note will shift in pitch a semitone higher for each fret it moves over. For example, if you put the capo on the 4th fret, every note you play will be a perfect fourth higher than normal. The widget will also tell you what key that is, so you don’t have to do the math while playing.

It is handy when you try to sing in the same range as someone else. So you can get a clear picture of what you’re choosing from, here’s a visual representation of the neck (diagram). You’ll notice that there is a silver bar representing the placement of the capo clamping down on the strings. The orange dots indicates exactly which fret(s) to hold down with your fingers in relation to the capo. Where it has an X mark instead of a dot means you mute that string.

So now you have a visual guide for exactly where you want to position your hand; no need to count out any frets yourself. In addition to this diagram below, there is a full grid of all the shapes matched with each capo position beneath it. The cells shows what chord you actualy hear if you combine that particular shape and fret. This becomes your go-to cheat sheet for alternative voicings.

For example, let’s say you’re trying to play in the key of B flat but you know the G shape. You just scan down the chart until you see where they intersect. The grid tells you immediately which capo position will give you that specific key. The grid also enables you to tap on any of the cells which jumps immediately to that setup. From there it will redraw the neck diagram, change the capo buttons and show you how to play the chord.

This means you can quickly test out various options until you come up with what feels like an easier fingering for a song you are learning. That’s where the grid really helps when looking at possible changes that may feel more naturaly for your hands to play.

The big text at the base of the widget gives a summary of what you’re playing. This means it tells you what key you are playing in as well as which shape you are fingering. Not only does this confirm that you have selected correctly, but it reinforces the link between the two. This way you are able to tell other players in the band just what you are playing without any doubt. They’ll know the chord they hear you sounding out and you get the one on your chart that you can see.

Next is the play button which plays a sample of the selected chord. You can listen to how it sounds and what the voicing is before attempting it yourself. There’s also a volume slider next to this button so you can adjust the sound to match what you like or your surroundings. Listening to the chord will confirm whether you’ve chosen the right mix for the song you’re learning.

For users that don’t like using a mouse, there’s full keyboard support as well. You’ll tab from one button to the next. Then you can navigate within each set of buttons with your arrow keys and other navigation keys. To play the chord or activate whatever button you’ve highlighted, press enter or the space bar. It’s an efficient workflow. It allows you to scan through options quickly.

When you tap the help button, it will show a brief explanation of how the widget works. If you forget how to find a chord shape or what happens when you put a capo on, just tap here for a refresher. By default, it’s hidden so that you have an uncluttered view of the chart only. Just tap it open or close as needed for a fast reference.

When you tap the fullscreen button, it’ll expand the widget to take up all the available screen space. On smaller screens, this allows you to get a better look at the grid and neck diagram.

For instance, start with the G shape at open position, then move the capo to fret number two. What you’ll find is that this becomes an A major. This illustrates just how the capo works to transpose what you play. Experimenting with other minor forms is also possible. This gives you suitable chord shapes for songs in a minor key. It’s easy to notice the relationships and patterns between chords using the grid.

Remember, the chart only goes up to capo position number nine. From there the frets get too cramped for most people to play cleanly. It’s a practical consideration of the most useful range when practicing and performing live. It also limits the complexity of the widget while keeping it relevant to what you are likely to use every day. Higher keys can be reached with other barre chords or even different shapes.

If you regularly rehearse or gig with other musicians who want you to play in different keys, then this is an invaluable tool for preparation. You no longer have to guess which way to move your capo to get into that next key. It will quickly teach you new keys and make you a more versitile guitar player. You can adapt to a song regardless of its key without having to relearn how the chords sound on your fingers.

Begin listening to the samples and exploring around on the grid, getting a feel for how the transpositions work. Then choose a song that you’re comfortable with and give a go at playing it in a different key from the chart. What you’ll notice is that many of the chords are more easily transposable with a capo. This helps really lock these ideas into your brain through both sound and sight.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match different shapes combined with various capos. As far as this chart goes, there isn’t any right or wrong except that which sounds good to your ear. You’re simply looking for voicings that seem to come naturaly to your hand. When you locate a combination that suits your taste, give it a try and strum over the audio sample. It will bring the process of learning from ideas to practice.

It’s fast and easy to use. Within seconds, you’ll discover the best shape and key for the job. It is fast enough that it doesn’t interrupt your creative process, but it is there to support your decision-making about music, whether that’s to cover a song you love or compose something of your own.

Get to know the widget’s controls, there are a lot of them! As you get used to using it, you’ll find that this is an invaluable tool. It can be a trusted sidekick when you’re practicing or performing on guitar. Leave it up on the screen while you work through songs. You’ll should of thanked yourself later for having the right chord ready.