The Guitar Capo Lesson You've Been Meaning to Watch

Going over the basic stuff about transposing songs with a capo. Cort sponsored this video so check out the Cort Gold A6 I've been using.
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If you like what we're throwing down in this video, check out the MasterClass I made on how to solo on guitar with another musician. You won't regret it!
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--------------------------
A little about me:
Sean Daniel is a man. A man of simple needs and desires. And the one desire, no, the one NEED, that stands above all is to spread the challenges, joy and intellectual stimulus of music to people of Earth and beyond.
Born on the mean streets of upper middle class suburban Chicago, Sean learned the ways of the world through the dizzying heights of success to the lonesome depths of failure and emerged with the promise of a better tomorrow reflecting in his eyes and fiery passion in his belly.
He plays and teaches guitar on his KZbin channel where he regularly releases original music and projects to the adulation of legions of fans, who often compare him to Chris Pratt and one time Ryan Reynolds. He’s currently in the market for a nice leather jacket.
#guitar #guitarlesson #handsomegentleman

[@dougsensei]

This video is gold. I have watched it about 6 trillion times and I am still getting good stuff from it.

[@musobill]

I really admire your teaching style Sean. You make ideas and examples very accessible. Excellent teacher and a great sense of humour! Cheers from Australia.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much for saying so Bill! Cheers from the US!

[@alaysiakayebutler6299]

Agree!

[@menahemrosen5192]

I often use a capo when learning a song, to play it with the original recording using "C" chord-shapes (which are more intuitive for me). Then, I might transpose to a more comfortable key, for my vocal range or capo placement. BTW, I keep my guitar tuned down a whole step, and put the capo on the 2nd fret when I need to match standard tuning.

[@AlexanderDekhtyar]

This is why I like your lesson videos. Very clear presentation, easy to remember (and also, I've been doing it all wrong).

[@starsandguitars2050]

Great video Sean. The capo allows for so much variation. I love mine.

[@gatoryak7332]

Here's a valid way to use the capo as a crutch, but maybe it's better to call it a training wheel: First be aware that the distance between frets decreases at every step toward the sound hole. Now, if I'm learning a piece of music that has an uncomfortable finger stretch, I will capo up to where my fingers can easily make the stretch. I don't care what key that is. I practice the segment of the song over and over until I'm good at playing it. Then I move the capo one fret toward the nut and repeat the process. I keep iterating until I get it to the key I want to play in or until my hand just can't stretch any further.

[@JS-ir7wh]

This is how I practiced the dreaded F chord, long ago.

[@Sweendog]

wow great tip!

[@wallthemart]

😊

[@TheHesseJames]

Also, if you are practicing the same thing over and over at the same spot you are wearing down the strings earlier.

[@ScottSmithMusic]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Songwriter here, always growing.

[@joelzdepski9884]

There is a case for the capo that you didn't mention, and that is for when you are playing with someone else. Even before you are comfortable playing lead lines and fills as a second guitar, you can change things up just by playing along in a different set of chords. So if your partner is going to play and sing a song in E you can Capo-2 and play D'shapes. The 2 different guitars will sound much fuller. I am a big fan of "The Other Favorites" and you will always see Carson strumming (say with D shapes) and singing while Josh is Capo'd 2 higher and finger picking (in this case C shapes). It just gives you access to different embellishments. And, it is a great motivation to learn how to transpose between 2 keys.

[@arlo2203]

i love THE OTHER FAVORITES!! been a JT fan a long time. moonlight in vermont is just epic.

[@joelzdepski9884]

@@arlo2203 When I want to tell people how to find him on youtube i just say "Google Harry Potter plays Sultan's of Swing". Works every time ...

[@dcarts5616]

@@joelzdepski9884 lol yep!

[@dcarts5616]

@@arlo2203 have mercy is one of my favorites from TOF.

[@buddypop9358]

I was in church worship team that had so many guitars, I transposed with a capo simply to hear my self. While filling a space in the mix

[@JS-ir7wh]

I bring a capo to jams for friends who only know an handful of chords. It let's them join in on more of the fun. Thanks for keeping the sarcasm, Sean. It's appreciated.

[@Guide1089]

Outstanding presentation, Sean! I've always had trouble with a capo. Thanks for this lesson. Really helps.

[@bertieborough]

There is a case for using a Capo on the ninth or tenth fret for imitating a Mandolin. I often do this when playing Styx's Boat on a River. Also, this is where the Caged System shines when playing through each key chord.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Also the Eagles use this in Hotel California (Live version) It just makes the song.

[@mackhomie6]

all right. let's hear the case then.

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

"Nobody knows what chords go in the key of E-flat"? That's what the Circle of Fifths is for, making such things clear as day.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

I think the point he is trying to make is that E flat doesn't lend itself well for standard tuning on the guitar so we tend to just tune down a half step and play manageable chord patterns.... Which is the same thing really.

[@kkdeveauxgue2784]

Sean anytime you use the Capo,it changes your playing and gives you more melodic chords within the the Capo setting,I used it a lot,very inspiring tool..I love it just for creative ideas great for singer songwriters

[@tomcatrecords]

What a great lesson!

[@AlonzoWhite]

Loved it!! I needed this info. THX!

[@davidgollop2807]

I use a capo for singing. I find E flat bit easier so I transpose on the third fret, Once I transpose I can move the capo to a position that I can sing that day.

[@robertveith2255]

I want a Cort baritone guitar can you explain how tune one can you as standard guitar thank you !!!!!

[@randycompton5230]

1:53 in, I’m already sold on this lesson. I have taught myself through this type of video. Straight to the point. You get a like on this one. Maybe your best yet. At this point, the capo is my best tool. Frets one, two and three get the job done for most songs out there. Sometimes a four works out.

[@JamesGriffinWrites]

This video would have made 3 records better 15 years ago. You've answered like 3 critical questions ive had . Sincerely, thanks.

[@johnnydlux50]

Thank you so much I came across your video tonight cuz I wanted to learn about cables and I want a running so much more than I thought I could and finally have an understanding of music that I never understood before all these years of trying to get it and I actually wrote it new scriber and thank you very much look forward to watching yer backlog and see what else

[@OregonBreault]

Super helpful. Thank you.

[@leonardwinchester4030]

Sean, you have convinced me to use my two real Glader capos that I convinced myself I wanted but was too proud to use because I'm a long-time capable player who, thought, just as you said How narrow-minded of me.

[@bradaleria2592]

Thanks bro for sharing this lesson😎

[@jspic4907]

Very well explained!!! Thanks!

[@michaelshannon6558]

Multiple instruments playing in the same register of the sound spectrum will cause the sound from some of the instruments to get lost in the mix. I use a capo (usually in the 3rd or 5th fret) to get into a register that the other instruments aren’t playing in. This allows me to play open chords that will have a fuller sound as opposed to playing barre chords up the neck.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

I was just going to say that

[@waynesguitarchannel9050]

That’s why I started to learn other voicings for chords . It has taken me a long time to get there. But it’s a journey not a race. I have till the day I die to learn more. But this video has given me new reasons to use a capo

[@freesk8]

Thanks for the great lesson! :)

[@tonyketterman9020]

Looks cool, I want one.

[@barriethurlow9849]

Fully with you on capo respectability, sir.

[@A.P.I.-2bon2b]

Owe! My brain is crazy with excitement. Time for paper and pencil ✏️ to sort this out. I will begin ❤ Thank you & the comments. I can't remember the last time my brain turned on 😂 It feels good 😊

[@RandyBelinda]

Using a capo is just another arrow in your quiver. It's a tool, a good one at that. Anything that inspires or otherwise helps you become a more creative and musically interesting player is a good thing. I have a Schubb in every guitar case. Not embarrassed in the least to use them.

[@jrholmes79]

Thanks Sean, just starting to gig original songs with a few covers mixed in.

[@geldeddonkey7320]

I remember my guitar teacher saying when i was a kid , that using a capo was for lazy guitarists , but as a single performer I came to realise the versatility the capo gave. It’s hard enough , playing using whilst playing harp in a neck brace and singing ,let alone trying to satisfy a small good of purists. Its all about sound in the end . Great ideas , thanks Shaun 🇦🇺scott

[@darksideofdonny]

7:30 really made me chuckle man 😂. Nice job

[@mikelane6126]

Great video. I used to think using a capo was ‘cheating’ until recently when I have been watching lots of Mike Knopfler videos. MK uses a capo on many of his songs as it gives him the ability to pick ‘open’ strings rather than fretted strings resulting in a much fuller sound. So capos don’t just help in forming chords, they also help in picking melodies etc.

[@seandaniel23]

Definitely a great tool to have!

[@TomMarvan]

Indeed, a great example is Mark’s song, Romeo & Juliet on the infamous National O Style cone guitar (the one on the cover of the Brothers in Arms album), where the capo is on the 3rd fret, but with an open tuning. It sounds magnificent.

[@u2buserusingu2b95]

Try playing The Beatles's Here Comes the Sun in the key of A without a capo. It's hard to play and doesn't sound as pretty, either.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Simon and Garfunkel uses a capo quite a bit and Gordon Lightfoot almost always uses one.

[@Equalizer58]

If Glen Campbell says learn to use a capo … then learn to use a capo. Another good video. Thanks Sean.

[@robino0821]

You're my spirit animal!

[@byromtaylor6482]

i got so much to learn this bit of music theory lesson actually deppressed me

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Don't look at it that way. "Music theory" is a life long process that nobody masters. Just keep playing songs and by the time you are good enough to use the theory, it will more or less be there, or it will become of interest to you. Theory is a good thing to learn but you don't have to know it to enjoy playing the guitar. Just keep playing and it will come.

[@beverlybain4685]

@@jeffmckinnon5842 m

[@BaronVonQuiply]

I have one song I recorded a number of years ago now where I wanted a sort of upbeat, jangly, maybe pop-y sound to the guitars so after laying down the open position chords I used a capo at the 4th fret and a different set of open chord shapes (on a different guitar) to play the same (root) chords and it came out as sparkly as I was hoping it would.

[@dechs54321]

Thanks for this, much appreciated …

[@iwilrage]

Thank you!

[@NDFlyFisher]

I kind of understand this. Have to watch a few times and see if I can figure it out.

[@bsodmike]

My brain exploded. Never played guitar, just got one. Damn

[@garychambers5850]

I learned to play _"The Beatles" Here Comes The Sun"_ in order to play along with the record, I put the capo on the 7th fret. That's what George Harrison did as well 🤗 Sounds really good! And The song is in the key of *D* ..George also used a capo on the 2nd Fret for "My Sweet Lord", And he used the capo on the 3rd fret for "Give Me Love (Give me Peace on Earth).🤎🚶🏿‍♂🚶🏿‍🚶🏿‍♂🚶🏿‍♂🎸🌞

[@deanboca12]

Yes! George also capoed the 7th fret on If I Needed Someone. And Don Felder capoed the 7th fret on the 12 string neck for Hotel California.

[@peterlaws1653]

@@deanboca12 well if its good enough for them🙂

[@jeeprosenberg]

Practical guide to capo use...as harmony teaching on the guitar, many personalist and dubious statements. Answer to the "sound of D major chord choices" could be drop low E string to D, open string ideas in D, for example, using a Dadd9, much easier with capo at II...calling G a "far key" from C based on the root on the fifth string is misuse of terms of near and far, which are usually used to refer to modulation, in which case the G is close...

[@andrewstirling6457]

Hi, I have a fender villager 12 string acoustic guitar I love playing Billie Eilish stuff I use the capo on 3rd fret for most of her songs especially " Everything I Wanted "and"Bellyache" they sound great on a 12 string just love it and matches my voice when I sing I can hit the higher vocals. I think the capo is a great tool I use the Boston type I can also get close to the ukele sound as I also like playing Party Favor would be lost without my capo.🤩🤩🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@danconverse6553]

Key of F, a common key for church music. My 'lazy' solution is Capo 3, play in D. Throw in some 'sus'ed chords to dress it up a little bit. ( 'sus'ed is your word, BTW. LoL)

[@rabrown22000]

Been probably over thinking the vii chord in a scale recently. Learned a lot of "cowboy" chords back when first learning guitar and I don't recall ever learning diminished chords, at least not specifically named. There may have been some where they said "just move this finger when you play the chord" without tring to confuse the beginner with its proper name lol. Is the vii chord just not commonly used? Or does another variation tend to get substituted?

[@billtharp3374]

To the question of why to capo on 3rd fret: Sax and horn players love the keys of Bb and Eb - less sharps and flats for them since it transposes to the keys of C and F for them. They will appreciate it.

[@jamesbusch282]

I also use a cut capo. Great open sound thst leaves open notes ringing.

[@jarmstrong427]

I always thought that the 3rd fret was a common capo position as it allowed guitarists to accompany music that included a Bb trumpet using the chords in the key of G

[@igw2b]

... and because a lot of songs are written by keyboard players, for whom keys like E flat of B flat are comparatively comfortable to play in.

[@mattrogers1946]

Exactly!

[@jeeprosenberg]

Bb and Eb are often best keys for high baritone singer. Once I met a fiddler who worked with the late George Jones. She told me she had to learn his entire repertoire in both Bb and B major keys, as he would decide on the day of the concert what his voice could handle better...

[@bmurtau]

Yes. I learned this playing with small ensembles from charts in church. It avoids a lot of awkward flatted, seldom used chord shapes.

[@philam1973]

Capos are good when you play mostly open chords and few changes. As an example, i play a song 1 6 2 5 in A with a bars only there are two choruses (different patterns). The style of the song sounds best with bars. It also has descending runs that complicates transposing with a capo. Info only. I use capos when the original song used the capo.

[@A.P.I.-2bon2b]

Wheel House 😂 Thank you Sean Definitely a disservice, I could have been a contender! #$123456

[@carlotapuig]

I learned these things the hard way... and took me ages.

[@logofthelex2668]

Excellant In it’s practicality, sensei. Thank you, may I have another?

[@seandaniel23]

Sure thing ;)

[@randysimmons9838]

Cool

[@Rockinbiker1946]

Good vid. I've used the 7th fret on a couple songs and sometimes it starts to sound like a ukulele.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulcorreia6742]

Major music mind, no flats, great info mabey slow down a bit, most of us are not drilled 2 know your talent as you do. Tks !!!

[@ktrock77]

Neat way of looking at the guitar. Not sure if that F#m7 will pass as F#m.

[@RLB52]

Check out the 5 string capo that leaves the bass e string alone.

[@irwineinstein9537]

Brilliant!!

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@3773dj]

“…nobody knows what chords go into the key of Eb…” LOL!!

[@whyyeseyec]

Sean, I have heard scores of explanations about how a capo works and I'm am still confused. Here are 2 examples - Keith Richards plays Midnight Rambler capoed at the 7th fret and George Harrison played Here Comes the Sun at the 7th fret. What key are those songs played in? Are they in B??

[@mccarney4207]

So I don’t know about midnight rambler but Here Comes the Sun I know is in A. Essentially, the song uses D, G, and A shapes with the picking pattern. These 3 chords played when there’s a capo on the 7th fret are A, D, and E respectively. Hope that makes sense of things for you a little bit. The easiest way for me to come to that conclusion is because the high E barre chord played on the 7th and 9th frets is the A shape used in the song. The capo makes it easier to use that A shape in the cowboy chord fashion. The E chord is actually an E7 technically, but I hope that helps you understand it a bit

[@whyyeseyec]

@@mccarney4207 The chords names I understand, but what key is Here Comes the Sun with capo on 7th fret?

[@joelzdepski9884]

@@whyyeseyec another way to look at it, is that if you saw a song that only used D,G and A chords you would say it is in the key of D (G and A being the IV and V chords). With no capo, the D note's for a first position chord are the Open 4th string and the 3rd fret of the 2nd string. Put a capo on the 7th and look at those strings, and you will find an A at the open 3rd String and the now 10th fret from Nut or 3rd fret from the capo on the 2nd string. If you had perfect pitch and shut your eyes and listen you would say HCtS is in the key of A. It is a short hand (actually lazy) to say "It is in the key of D with a capo on 7". It is more correct to say, "I play it with a capo on 7, using D shapes".

[@mccarney4207]

Joel Zdepski that’s a good way to describe it

[@gatoryak7332]

@@whyyeseyec It's quite simple. Let's use the open D chord shape as an example. With no capo (think of the capo being at the nut, or fret 0), the open D shape will obviously sound like a D chord. Place the capo on fret 1 and move the open D shape so it is in the same position relative to the capo. It will sound like a D# chord. It's just a matter of counting up the chromatic scale to correspond with the fret number of where the capo is: Capo at 0, a D shape sounds like D. Capo at 1, a D shape sounds like D#. Capo at 2, a D shape sounds like E. Capo at 3, a D shape sounds like F. Capo at 4, a D shape sounds like F#. Capo at 5, a D shape sounds like G. Capo at 6, a D shape sounds like G#. Capo at 7, a D shape sounds like A. You can do the same thing with any starting point. However, you must remember that there is no E# and there is no B#. This is how it looks with an open G chord shape: Capo at 0, a G shape sounds like G. Capo at 1, a G shape sounds like G#. Capo at 2, a G shape sounds like A. Capo at 3, a G shape sounds like A#. Capo at 4, a G shape sounds like B. Capo at 5, a G shape sounds like C. Capo at 6, a G shape sounds like C#. Capo at 7, a G shape sounds like D.

[@lamper2]

Keith uses a capo often through the decades! I don't remember any Beatles using them-maybe they did?

[@jonathanarias5351]

Would it be the same concept for key of Bm?

[@jennyomalley7634]

For many years I wouldn't use a cap-o , not cape-o , because I thought it was cheating, looking at it as a tool instead of a crutch is the way forward.

[@menahemrosen5192]

👍👍👍

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching!

[@larryyouguessame6078]

What the heck kind of guitar is that? Sounds great!

[@angelangel-li9yd]

Its a CORT bro just bought my wife one...I use it more than her lol

[@Madarchod912]

I only use capo so i can play a song with a easy chord depending on the songs until iam comfortable with hardcore chords it's only been 7 months toh

[@christopherprice9520]

I only use a capo when I don't know all the barre chords to play without it.

[@robd5307]

what about the 7th diminished chord?

[@raycarter4030]

Thanks Sean, seriously.

[@MelodyMaker]

Sean, at 9:44 we know you meant to say A instead of Am.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Gypsy Kings always use capo on second fret . But how does Tonino know what fret to solo on ? He does not read music .

[@MarrsAttax]

Didn't you already do this video?

[@CooperMusicPage]

Whenever I think Capo 2 I only think Ed Sheeran, he’s like the only one, every time 😂

[@mccarney4207]

Wonderwall? Lmao

[@garychambers5850]

Never heard of Ed Sheeran but, I myself think of George Harrison! 👍🏿 🎸... The Beatles used capos. Back in 1965 off The "Rubber Soul" album for instance "Norwegian Wood" 🚶🏿‍♂🚶🏿‍♂🚶🏿‍♂🚶🏿‍♂🎸🎸🎸🥁

[@mccarney4207]

gary chambers my sweet lord too gotta love that song

[@danielrenaud3985]

I was today old when I understand the real reason for a capo

[@guidobrunellijr.3]

Hunt and peck , Yup

[@pmscalisi]

I like using a capo because I like the sound of open chording. Also adds a dimension when playing with others.

[@sidewaysrain7609]

It certainly is far from the easiest way to learn a song and transpose it. Use your ears learn your intervals learn the song. If you want to play it and open tunings or cowboy cords use a capo, simple!

[@ilovegitaar]

Thx,,it is not only for the voice,,mmm.

[@Gerrysjamz]

What up With your finger?

[@0000song0000]

but whyñ do yoy say C is far from G, if the only one thing that changes is F turning F# 😛

[@jcburger733]

Thank you for the guitar capo lesson. Very helpful. I have a capo with spiderwebs on it. I guess I should pull it out, dust if off, and give it a try.

[@gatoryak7332]

I take it you don't sing or play with a singer?

[@jcburger733]

@@gatoryak7332 I play solo just to relieve stress. My band days were over a long time ago

[@robertveith2255]

Glen Campbell made the claim he used a capo all the time in the studio .

[@NudeDragons]

That’s finger nail tho

[@alansimpson8962]

I have never seen jimmy.page use a capo maybe somewhere but i doubt it

[@gatoryak7332]

Tony Rice often played with a capo. So does David Grier. So does Billy Strings.

[@mattrogers1946]

So does George Harrison, Ian Anderson, Van Morrison, Don Felder....

[@GlyndwrMeredith]

Why do American guitarists pronounce capo (capodastro) as ‘kaypo’ and not ‘kapo’?

[@fredericnicholson80]

Why do instrumental solo guitar players (Tommy Emanuel for example) use a capo? according to this video, cord voicing is cord voicing, so the capo does not bring any benefits.

[@lazysax9987]

They likely are using some of the capoed open notes in their solos. You'll see this a lot in bluegrass for example because a lot of the typical runs utilize open notes.

[@calvinbeard2764]

You forgot f

[@QBRX]

I don't really get it.

[@gatoryak7332]

If you don't get it, then you are not ready for it. You have a choice: stay at your current level or work to have more skills/more knowledge.The rest of the world will move on regardless.

[@yrulooknatme]

there's not a 7 chord?

[@QBRX]

It's the diminished chord, used mostly in jazz.

[@fueyou]

Voicings…..capos can go anywhere.

[@HL-OOI]

Arr u are also using Cort…lol

[@cbusirish6646]

Hope your fingernail heals soon!

[@seandaniel23]

It’s comin along!

[@redmed10]

Should you not even think about using a capo until you are at least at intermediate level and know all the notes on the fretboard and know a healthy amount of chords and know a lot of musical theory.

[@gatoryak7332]

That is the worst guitar advice that I have ever heard.

[@redmed10]

@@gatoryak7332 Worst and ever? Easy to make a statement. At least I put some justification into what I said. I partly was making fun of myself. I've got a capo and I can barely play 5 chords. I've got all the gear and no idea. One of the biggest mistakes I've made in my guitar learning path is to watch loads of guitar tuition videos which are way beyond my level. They are great and very interesting but totally useless for someone at my level. That's why I believe guitar tuition videos on KZbin should label themselves beginner, intermediate or advanced. But of course they won't do anything that might restrict their audience.

[@gatoryak7332]

@@redmed10 There's the adage, "You get what you pay for." Apparently it applies to you, too. Imagine that! Spend a little money to pay for some good online guitar instruction. Or keep wasting your time watching random free crap that is not helping you progress. And quit buying more gear, which is a waste of money and time.

[@redmed10]

@@gatoryak7332 I'm starting to see the value of a good in person teacher. Hopefully one that guide you and keep you motivated. Might be the best investment you can make rather than gear.

[@mattrogers1946]

@@gatoryak7332 I agree, I started using a capo from the very beginning.

[@userenvy]

U been drinking on this particular night?

[@brycemelton1]

Paint that damn fingernail. It's grossing me out. Or maybe wear a mitten.🤣

[@timtaylorguitarnut]

Thought capo was a small chicken

[@arlo2203]

using one too much could certainly turn you into one.

[@ConwayBob]

I think that's a capon, which is a castrated rooster. But shouldn't he be called a capoff?

[@arlo2203]

@@ConwayBob i think i caught your act last august at zany's. loved your crowd work.

[@shanehereagain]

Ewe.. nail..

[@raggmunken1958]

Great lesson. But are you drunk in this lesson?

[@jacksonunruh5076]

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