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How to Simplify Chords by Using a Capo

By , About.com Guide

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Capo Quiz: Question #1
musical alphabet

remember: for every fret you raise the capo on the guitar, you'll count backwards one half-step on the musical alphabet to find your new chord

Below is a simple chord progression that is nevertheless tricky for beginner guitarists to play. By using a capo, we can make these chords much less difficult. Try and figure out an easier way to play the following chords:

Gmin - C - Gmin - C - F

Your goal should be to come up with:

  • the fret the capo should be on
  • the new chords to be played

Use the diagram of the musical alphabet above to help you - remember, for every fret you move the capo up on the guitar neck, each chord in the progression will move down the musical alphabet by one half-step.

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