How can you tell?

[Teego Time]

Hey, when you're learning a song by ear, how can you tell if the artist is using a capo?

Actually, I mean, are there any tricks to it? Because obviously if you find the chords the artist is using, but they don't sound exactly right (like wierd open notes are being played) then you might have a situation with a capo.

I also wonder what that does to the song key? And how do you write music for a guitar with a capo? Is there a kind of notation for music relative to a capo, or do you just list the notes as you would, but then add a notation that there is a capo?

[dmbguitar718]

Hey, when you're learning a song by ear, how can you tell if the artist is using a capo?

It usually sounds different.

Actually, I mean, are there any tricks to it? Because obviously if you find the chords the artist is using, but they don't sound exactly right (like wierd open notes are being played) then you might have a situation with a capo.

Well sure. Just experiment. Alot of times you can tell just by listening.

I also wonder what that does to the song key? And how do you write music for a guitar with a capo? Is there a kind of notation for music relative to a capo, or do you just list the notes as you would, but then add a notation that there is a capo?

They key stays the same - a C chord is C chord, however it may be formed. You can have a capo 3 and play a A chord, and you have a C, but you're "playing" an A. Of course, you can always jam in A with a capo 3 if the song is in the key of C. Technically, you really only need to figure out actual chords and keys and such if you are playing with others that either are playing a different intsrument or aren't playing with a capo in the same position.

I think I just over explained that.

[Teego Time]

Thanks for the reply bud! That helped out.

The reason I asked is because I'm having trouble writing music, and I think if I start working on focusing my melody to a certain key, then I can apply chords to it. Problem is, my range isn't that greats so I typically use a capo.

[CWMCALL]

So if a tab says the song is played with a capo on 3 and the chord progression is G C D G...those chords are made with same "shape" as G C D G chords in standard tuning without a capo, they are just played relative to the capo?

sorry for the stupid question, but I thank you for the answer...

[SillyPutty]

Correct. I find I can generally just hear when there's a capo, but that comes with playing more and more. You will develop this ability as you learn more capo-ed songs.

[i am sam2]

So if a tab says the song is played with a capo on 3 and the chord progression is G C D G...those chords are made with same "shape" as G C D G chords in standard tuning without a capo, they are just played relative to the capo?

sorry for the stupid question, but I thank you for the answer...

yes, that is correct