Capo & transpose calculator
A song full of barre chords usually hides an easy open-chord version. Type the chords, and we'll find the capo position that turns them into shapes you already know — or shift the whole song to fit your voice.
Best option
Capo on fret 3
Play the shapes above with a capo on fret 3 and the song sounds in its original key. Tap a shape to see fingering and tips.
Every capo position, ranked
| Capo | Shapes you play | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Fret 3 | D G A Bm | Easiest |
| Fret 5 | C F G Am | Playable |
| Fret 8 | A D E F#m | Playable |
| None | F Bb C Dm | 1 tricky shape |
| Fret 1 | E A B C#m | 2 tricky shapes |
| Fret 6 | B E F# G#m | 3 tricky shapes |
| Fret 7 | A# D# F Gm | 3 tricky shapes |
| Fret 2 | D# G# A# Cm | 4 tricky shapes |
| Fret 4 | C# F# G# A#m | 4 tricky shapes |
| Fret 9 | G# C# D# Fm | 4 tricky shapes |
“Tricky” means the shape isn't one of the common open or barre chords in our library — usually a sign that capo position fights the song's key.
How a capo works (and when to use one)
A capo raises the pitch of open strings so familiar shapes sound in a higher key. Clamp it just behind the fret wire — snug enough that open strings ring, not so tight that notes go sharp.
Use a capo to match a singer's range without learning new chord grips, or to turn a barre-heavy chart into open G–C–D shapes you can already play.
- Each fret up = one semitone higher sounding pitch.
- Capo 2 + G shape sounds as A — same fingers, different concert key.
- If chords buzz under the capo, move it closer to the fret and ease the clamp.