Ever wondered how to use a capo to make a song better fit your voice?

In this lesson, we'll check out how to use a capo to make a song better suit your singing voice!

Learning how to use a guitar capo properly is a super-common problem for beginners, and it takes time to learn how that works. Ultimately, it's all about experimenting, but let's review some pointers.

Singing in a Higher Key with the Capo

Let's say the song goes G, D, Em, C. Female singers tend to sing around a 3rd or a 4th higher than male singers, so we'll put a capo on fret 5 to move it up a 4th (or five semitones). Now use the same chord shapes as before, treating the capo as if it were the guitar's nut.

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The movement of the song is identical, except everything is a little higher (the song is now in the key of C, and the chords become C, G, Am, F). Listen to both progressions, and you'll hear this.

Find the Best Key for You

Find the keys that work well for your voice to make the most of the capo. In my videos, I sing in the original key, which often doesn't fit my voice. But you don't need to!

If you find the original is a little too low, put the capo on fret 2, sing the entire song, and see how it feels. Still a little low? Move it up to fret 4. It takes experimentation, and your choice of fret could vary for each song.

🎸 Learn how to use your capo in creative ways! You can play the same chords using different grips, which is a great trick for beginners - but not only. ;)

There are few songs with the capo higher than fret 7. If you keep moving the capo and the melody is still too low, try removing it and playing in an open position. This is equivalent to using a capo at fret 12, except the chords will be an octave lower.

Add Emotion & Feeling

This doesn't mean you choose the easiest option either. The highest note in the song is often in the bridge or chorus, where the singer goes for their highest note. If you can't reach it, you have to change the key.

Try to make this one your highest note. You'll have to put in a lot of effort to reach it, meaning the song will come alive.

The key here is to experiment. With time, you'll learn which keys work for you. I hope these tips help you loads with your singing! Laters. :)

🎤 Up for some practice time? Choose from one of my free song tutorials and happy trails!