New Key
C
Semitones
+0
Capo
None
Transposed Key
C
+0 semitones from C
Capo Position
None
Interval
0 half-steps
1
C
2
Dm
3
Em
4
F
5
G
6
Am
7
Bdim
Inputs
Result
C is index 0. Adding 7 semitones: (0+7) mod 12 = 7 = G. Each chord in the key shifts by +7: Dm(2)→09=Am, Em(4)→11=Bm, F(5)→00=C (mod 12), G(7)→02=D, Am(9)→04=Em.
Inputs
Result
G is index 7. Subtracting 3: (7–3) = 4 = E. Each chord shifts by –3 semitones: C(0)→09=A, D(2)→11=B, Em(4)→01=C#m, Am(9)→06=F#m.
Inputs
Result
D is index 2, G is index 7. Capo fret = (2 – 7 + 12) mod 12 = 7. Place capo on fret 7 and play G, C, D, Em shapes to sound D, G, A, Bm.
Count the number of semitones between the original key and target key. Move each chord the same number of semitones. For example, transposing from C to G is +7 semitones, so Am becomes Em, F becomes C, and G becomes D.
| Original (Key of C) | +2 (Key of D) | +5 (Key of F) | +7 (Key of G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | D | F | G |
| Dm | Em | Gm | Am |
| Em | F#m | Am | Bm |
| F | G | Bb | C |
| G | A | C | D |
| Am | Bm | Dm | Em |
Place the capo at the fret equal to the number of semitones you need to transpose up. To play a song in G using C-shape chords, put the capo on fret 7. To play in E using D shapes, capo on fret 2.
| Capo Fret | C Shape Sounds As | G Shape Sounds As | D Shape Sounds As |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (Open) | C | G | D |
| 2 | D | A | E |
| 3 | Eb | Bb | F |
| 5 | F | C | G |
| 7 | G | D | A |
The Nashville Number System assigns numbers 1–7 to the scale degrees of a key. In C major: 1=C, 2=Dm, 3=Em, 4=F, 5=G, 6=Am, 7=Bdim. This lets musicians transpose instantly by thinking in numbers instead of chord names.
| Number | Key of C | Key of G | Key of D | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | G | D | Major |
| 2 | Dm | Am | Em | Minor |
| 4 | F | C | G | Major |
| 5 | G | D | A | Major |
| 6 | Am | Em | Bm | Minor |
There are 12 semitones in an octave. The chromatic scale is: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B. Count the steps between two notes. C to E = 4 semitones. C to G = 7 semitones.
| Interval | Semitones | Example from C | Sound Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor 2nd | 1 | C → C# | Tense, chromatic |
| Major 2nd | 2 | C → D | Whole step |
| Major 3rd | 4 | C → E | Bright, happy |
| Perfect 5th | 7 | C → G | Open, strong |
| Octave | 12 | C → C | Same note, higher |
Transpose down if you strain on high notes, up if the melody is too low. Most singers have a 1.5–2 octave range. Try moving 2–3 semitones at a time. For guitar, transposing down often means harder chord shapes, so use a capo to transpose up instead.
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Last Updated: Mar 25, 2026
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