Capo on the 2nd fret
With the capo on the 2nd fret, everything sounds 1 whole step higher than what you play: C sounds D, G sounds A, D sounds E, A sounds B, E sounds F♯, Am sounds Bm, Em sounds F♯m, and Dm sounds Em.
Shapes and the chords they sound with the capo on the 2nd fret
| You play | Sounds as |
|---|---|
| C | D |
| G | A |
| D | E |
| A | B |
| E | F♯ (G♭) |
| Am | Bm |
| Em | F♯m (G♭m) |
| Dm | Em |
Progressions with the capo on the 2nd fret
The I–V–vi–IV progression in each shape, and the key it sounds in with the capo on the 2nd fret.
| Shapes | You play | Sounds in |
|---|---|---|
| C major | C G Am F | D A Bm G |
| G major | G D Em C | A E F♯m D |
| D major | D A Bm G | E B C♯m A |
| A major | A E F♯m D | B F♯ G♯m E |
| E major | E B C♯m A | F♯ C♯ D♯m B |
When to use the capo on the 2nd fret
- Song in D major: play C major shapes.
- Song in A major: play G major shapes.
- Song in E major: play D major shapes.
- Song in B major: play A major shapes.
- Song in F sharp major: play E major shapes.
- Song in B minor: play A minor shapes.
- Song in F sharp minor: play E minor shapes.
- Song in E minor: play D minor shapes.
Other frets
Frequently asked questions
What key is it with the capo on the 2nd fret?
Everything goes up 1 whole step: C sounds D, G sounds A, D sounds E, A sounds B, E sounds F♯, Am sounds Bm, Em sounds F♯m, and Dm sounds Em.
What chord does a G shape make with the capo on the 2nd fret?
A G shape sounds as A. The whole G progression (G C D Em) sounds in A major.
What is the capo on the 2nd fret for?
To play songs in D major, A major, E major, B major, F sharp major, B minor, F sharp minor, and E minor with open shapes, or to raise a song until it fits your voice without changing what you play.