The guitar keys
What key shapes to transpose to

Below is a list of the "guitar keys". These are the major keys that are most commonly played on the guitar. The chords in the yellow cells are the basic open position chords. Then notes in the blue cells would require you to play a barre chord. When making a judgment as to which key shape to transpose a song to, a lot of times you will choose the one that will note make you play a barre chord. Or at least give you the fewest number of barre chord.

The capo is sometimes called "the cheater" by some people. Mainly because it lets you play in any key, but lets you just play easier chord shapes. Basically letting you avoid barre chords. This is partially true, but also those open position chords have a unique sound, a sound that you could not get using a barre chord form. So the capo is used to create a sound that you could not get otherwise.

The guitar keys

* There is not a basic open position B chord. In the key of E, a B7 chord is use more often.

For more information on chord construction and keys, check out these lessons.

Constructing major scales - this is the starting point for understanding all music theory.

Basic Chord Construction - learn the basic theory behind chord construction and how it is applied to the guitar.

Page 3, understanding the basics of notes

Page 5, capo transposition chart

 Video Guitar Lessons - Learn & Master Guitar