Capo on the 5th fret
With the capo on the 5th fret, everything sounds 2½ steps higher than what you play: C sounds F, G sounds C, D sounds G, A sounds D, E sounds A, Am sounds Dm, Em sounds Am, and Dm sounds Gm.
Shapes and the chords they sound with the capo on the 5th fret
| You play | Sounds as |
|---|---|
| C | F |
| G | C |
| D | G |
| A | D |
| E | A |
| Am | Dm |
| Em | Am |
| Dm | Gm |
Progressions with the capo on the 5th fret
The I–V–vi–IV progression in each shape, and the key it sounds in with the capo on the 5th fret.
When to use the capo on the 5th fret
- Song in F major: play C major shapes.
- Song in C major: play G major shapes.
- Song in G major: play D major shapes.
- Song in D major: play A major shapes.
- Song in A major: play E major shapes.
- Song in D minor: play A minor shapes.
- Song in A minor: play E minor shapes.
- Song in G minor: play D minor shapes.
Other frets
Frequently asked questions
What key is it with the capo on the 5th fret?
Everything goes up 2½ steps: C sounds F, G sounds C, D sounds G, A sounds D, E sounds A, Am sounds Dm, Em sounds Am, and Dm sounds Gm.
What chord does a G shape make with the capo on the 5th fret?
A G shape sounds as C. The whole G progression (G C D Em) sounds in C major.
What is the capo on the 5th fret for?
To play songs in F major, C major, G major, D major, A major, D minor, A minor, and G minor with open shapes, or to raise a song until it fits your voice without changing what you play.