Transpose keys with or without a capo

Being able to change keys easily is vital if you want to be able to play and sing an extensive repertoire of Irish folk songs – or any songs for that matter.

More on Transposing Keys
Key Converter
Changing Chords
Chord Numbers
Dominant Sevenths
Using a Capo
Advanced Capo
Capo Chord Charts

This often presents problems for some performers, especially when they are starting out.

That’s why we’ve created a simple guide to changing keys. It is designed primarily for guitarists as the guitar is the instrument most often used by singers when performing. But most of the principles apply to other instruments as well.

Making it simple to change keys

Guitar capo used to change key
Capo

Our key converter charts are easy to use and they are designed to keep the musical theory to an absolute minimum.

We’ve taken a dual approach so that you will be able to transpose keys with a capo and also without it.

A capo is a simple device available from most guitar shops which can be placed on different frets of the guitar keyboard to raise the pitch of the strings.

In doing so, it enables you to use the chord shapes from one key to play in an entirely different key.

Learn from experienced musicians

Using a capo to change key on the guitar
Capo on 3rd fret turns C Major into E flat Major

The best approach if you are starting out is to follow the example of experienced performers and learn to play in most important guitar keys of C Major, D Major, E Major, G Major and A Major.

You can then use the chords from these keys to play in any other key with the use of a capo. This is the method used by some of the best guitarists in the world.

The following pages explain this in more detail.

Please click on the links below to see the charts and find out more out transposing keys.

More on Transposing Keys
Key Converter
Changing Chords
Chord Numbers
Dominant Sevenths
Using a Capo
Advanced Capo
Capo Chord Charts

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