Capo on the 3rd fret
With the capo on the 3rd fret, everything sounds 1½ steps higher than what you play: C sounds E♭, G sounds B♭, D sounds F, A sounds C, E sounds G, Am sounds Cm, Em sounds Gm, and Dm sounds Fm.
Shapes and the chords they sound with the capo on the 3rd fret
| You play | Sounds as |
|---|---|
| C | E♭ (D♯) |
| G | B♭ (A♯) |
| D | F |
| A | C |
| E | G |
| Am | Cm |
| Em | Gm |
| Dm | Fm |
Progressions with the capo on the 3rd fret
The I–V–vi–IV progression in each shape, and the key it sounds in with the capo on the 3rd fret.
| Shapes | You play | Sounds in |
|---|---|---|
| C major | C G Am F | E♭ B♭ Cm A♭ |
| G major | G D Em C | B♭ F Gm E♭ |
| D major | D A Bm G | F C Dm B♭ |
| A major | A E F♯m D | C G Am F |
| E major | E B C♯m A | G D Em C |
When to use the capo on the 3rd fret
- Song in E flat major: play C major shapes.
- Song in B flat major: play G major shapes.
- Song in F major: play D major shapes.
- Song in C major: play A major shapes.
- Song in G major: play E major shapes.
- Song in C minor: play A minor shapes.
- Song in G minor: play E minor shapes.
- Song in F minor: play D minor shapes.
Other frets
Frequently asked questions
What key is it with the capo on the 3rd fret?
Everything goes up 1½ steps: C sounds E♭, G sounds B♭, D sounds F, A sounds C, E sounds G, Am sounds Cm, Em sounds Gm, and Dm sounds Fm.
What chord does a G shape make with the capo on the 3rd fret?
A G shape sounds as B♭. The whole G progression (G C D Em) sounds in B flat major.
What is the capo on the 3rd fret for?
To play songs in E flat major, B flat major, F major, C major, G major, C minor, G minor, and F minor with open shapes, or to raise a song until it fits your voice without changing what you play.