How To Transpose Chords With a Guitar Capo
Last time I made a lesson on how to use a guitar capo, I left out an important bit of information: how to transpose properly so that you remain in the same key as the rest of the band.
Today that’s what we’re talking about.
Random Fact: Did you know ‘capo’ also means a mafia boss? Ok.. back to guitar.
So the rule of thumb that I get into in the video is basically this:
If you move the capo UP X number of frets, you need to transpose your chords DOWN by the same number of semitones. Follow that? Each fret is a semitone, right? so in order to maintain the balance, if you go up with the capo, you need to go down with your open chords.
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This might be a bit confusing, but keep in mind you’re not actually changing keys. The only sense in which you’re changing keys is in that you’re changing to the open chord formations of a particular key. The whole idea is to remain in the same key right?
Hopefully that becomes more clear in the video. Any questions… you know what to do.
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Your delivery of the material is very cool. Learning alot. Very relaxed and to the point.You make learning enjoyable and relaxed while at the same time motivating. I don’t feel intimidated at all by the material because of how you present it. Thanks alot.
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Jonathan Reply:
April 17th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Thanks Jimmy!
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Thanks Jonathan! That was a really useful lesson on a subject I hadn’t given enough thought to in the past. Thanks again
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This video keeps stopping and then goes. What is causing this problem? It is irritable.
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Jonathan Boettcher Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Hi Jesse – that’s probably a function of your internet connection. I’d recommend pausing it, allowing the full video to buffer, and then viewing it – that should allow the whole video to transfer before you go to play it.
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Thanks Jonathan, but why use the capo if the chords sound the same as what U were playing? I get the capo for use to obtain another key using chord configurations that I’m more familiar with.
Ted
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