A capo is a clamp that holds down all the strings at one fret. It raises the pitch of the open strings. With a capo, a guitar player can use G shapes and sound in A, B flat, or B. In a bluegrass jam the key changes from song to song, so guitar, banjo, and Dobro players move a capo many times a night.
Why bluegrass players use one
Bluegrass guitar and banjo styles depend on open strings. The guitar’s G run, the bass notes in a boom-chuck strum, and the banjo’s rolls all sound best in a few chord shapes. A capo lets the player keep those shapes when the singer calls a different key.
Each fret raises the pitch by one half step. Two frets is one whole step. G shapes with a capo on the second fret sound in A.
Guitar capo chart
| Key the singer calls | Capo | Play these shapes | 1, 4, 5 shapes |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | None | G | G, C, D |
| A | 2nd fret | G | G, C, D |
| B flat | 3rd fret | G | G, C, D |
| B | 4th fret | G | G, C, D |
| C | None | C | C, F, G |
| D | None | D | D, G, A |
| D | 2nd fret | C | C, F, G |
| E | None | E | E, A, B7 |
| E | 2nd fret | D | D, G, A |
| F | 3rd fret | D | D, G, A |
| F | 5th fret | C | C, F, G |
Some keys have two rows. Pick the shapes that suit the song. Many guitar players choose C shapes with a capo on the second fret for a song in D, because the bass runs in C shape sit well under the fingers.
Banjo capo chart
A five-string banjo in G tuning needs two changes: a capo on the long strings and a higher pitch on the short fifth string. Players raise the fifth string with a sliding fifth string capo or with small spikes set in the fingerboard.
| Key | Capo | Play as | Fifth string |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | None | G | Open (G) |
| A | 2nd fret | G | 7th fret (A) |
| B | 4th fret | G | 9th fret (B) |
| C | None | C | Open (G) |
| D | 2nd fret | C | 7th fret (A) |
For more on banjo in the circle, read how to play banjo backup in a bluegrass jam.
Dobro
Dobro players use a capo built for a square neck. It rests on the strings and does not press them to the frets. With that capo on the second fret, G positions sound in A. On the fourth fret, they sound in B. See how to play Dobro backup in a bluegrass jam.
Who does not use a capo
Mandolin, fiddle, and bass players do not use capos. They learn closed chord shapes and scales that move to any key. If you play one of these, learn the 1, 4, and 5 chords in G, A, B, C, and D.
How to put a capo on
Set the capo just behind the fret, on the side closer to the tuning pegs. Keep it straight across the neck. A capo in the middle of the space between two frets pulls the strings sharp.
Use only as much pressure as the strings need to ring clear. Too much pressure bends the notes sharp.
Check your tuning
Strum a chord right after you place the capo. If it sounds sour, tune with the capo on. Clip-on tuners read the pitch the same way with a capo.
When you take the capo off, check again. Strings often stay a little sharp or flat after the capo comes off.
Move it fast
The gap between songs is short. When the next leader says the key, move your capo right away, then check one chord at low volume. Keep the capo clipped to your headstock between songs so you do not have to hunt for it.
If you miss the key, look at another guitar player’s capo. Then look at their left hand to see which shapes they are using.
Numbers stay the same
A capo changes the chord names under your fingers. It does not change the chord numbers. With a capo on the second fret, your G shape is the 1 chord in A. Your C shape is the 4. Your D shape is the 5. Think in numbers and you will not get lost. Read the Nashville number system for bluegrass jams.
What to tell a new player
If a newer guitar player looks lost, say the capo fret and the shapes: “Capo two, G shapes.” That short phrase tells them all they need. For more on keys in the circle, read what keys bluegrass jams use. For rhythm guitar basics, read how to play guitar rhythm in a bluegrass jam.