A capo is used to transpose the open notes up. If you are playing in the open position and transposing up the fretboard, you can use a capo continue to use open notes. A capo works by clamping a fret similar to a barre on a barre chord.

Does capo tune up or down?

The capo causes all the strings to sound two half steps higher than normal, and the music sounds in D! In fact, you can move the capo to any fret, sliding it up and down the neck, until you find the fret (key) that's perfect for your vocal range. ... Use a capo only if the song requires the use of open strings.

Which way do you move the capo when transposing?

If you move the capo UP X number of frets, you need to transpose your guitar chords DOWN by the same number of semitones. Each fret is a semitone, right? So in order to maintain the balance, if you go up with the capo, you need to go down with the letter names of your open chords.