Understanding the basics of notes

In order to fully understand the idea behind using a capo, you need to have a basic understanding of the notes on the neck of the guitar. Chords are made up of notes, and therefore the topic of chords can not be separated from notes.

All natural notes (A B C D E F G) are a whole step (2 frets) apart, except between E-F and B-C which are a half step (1 fret) apart.

A sharp (#)is one fret higher than a natural note, and a flat (b)is one fret lower.

Check out the lesson on getting to know the names of the notes on the neck for more information.

Knowing this is important, because you need to understand that a Bb chord is a half step higher than an A chord. This is why playing an A chord shape with the capo at the 1st fret will give you a Bb chord sound.

Page 2, putting the capo on your guitar

Page 4, transposing songs to the guitar keys