Using a Capo with the CAGED System
A Capo is a device used by guitarists to change the tuning of the open strings to play in different keys using familiar chord shapes. The term “Capo” is short for the Italian Capo Tasto (Capo = Head, Tasto = Tie, or Fret), and was first used by 17th-century guitarists.
The capo is a very useful tool for guitarists who prefer to play open chords in different keys without retuning the guitar. A capo also allows for the natural sound of the open strings instead of using barre chords.
A capo on the 2nd fret of the guitar
The Capo can be used in conjunction with the CAGED system to play open chords in any key by placing the capo on the appropriate fret. The table below shows where to place the capo for all 12 keys and for the 5 CAGED shapes.
For example: if you want to transpose a song from the key of C major to the key of E major, you can place the capo on the 4th fret and play a C shape for the E major chord.
