What does transposing a chord chart do?

Transposing shifts every chord in a song up or down by the same number of semitones, moving it to a different key while keeping the same relationships between chords. Singers transpose to find a key that suits their vocal range.

What is a capo and how does it change guitar chords?

A capo is a clamp placed across all guitar strings at a given fret, raising the pitch. A capo at fret 2 lets you play open G shapes while sounding in A. This calculator shows which capo position and open chord shapes produce your target key.

Can I transpose chord charts for ukulele?

Yes. Select the ukulele instrument option to see chord diagrams using ukulele fingerings in the transposed key. Ukulele is tuned differently from guitar, so different chord shapes apply for the same key names.

Chord Transposer & Capo Calculator

Paste a chord chart, pick the key you want to play in or choose a capo position, and get the transposed chart instantly - chords stay above the right syllables just like a real lead sheet. Nothing uploaded.

Auto-detect key Semitone slider Capo calculator ? Circle of fifths ? Chord diagrams Guitar / Ukulele URL sharing Print-ready

Paste your chord chart

Original key C

Target key

Semitone shift ? 0

Capo position

Circle of fifths

Ukulele mode Show chord diagrams

Transposed chart

Paste a chord chart on the left to get started.

How transposition works

The semitone shift

Transposing shifts every chord up or down by the same number of semitones (half-steps). Each semitone is the distance between two adjacent notes on a piano or fretboard, including black keys. For example, if you transpose C-major (C, E, G) up 2 semitones, you get D-major (D, F#, A). The relationships between notes stay identical, which is why the song sounds the same but in a different key.

Capo position vs. transposition

A capo physically shortens the strings on a guitar. When you place a capo at fret 3, all open chord shapes shift up 3 semitones. This calculator shows you which capo position and which open shapes to play to achieve your target key without relearning entirely new fingerings. For example: C chord with a capo at fret 2 sounds like D major.

FAQ

Why does the transposed chord show sharps or flats?

The app automatically chooses the clearest note spelling for the key signature. In flat keys (like F, Bb, Eb) it uses flat symbols; in sharp keys (like G, D, A) it uses sharps. This makes the chord chart easier to read because fewer accidentals appear.

Can I transpose a song without a capo?

Yes. You can play entirely different chord shapes in the new key, or find open shapes that work for each transposed chord. The calculator shows diagrams for the most common voicings in the target key.

Does transposing work for slash chords?

Yes. The tool preserves slash bass notes and transposes them the same number of semitones. C/E transposed up 2 semitones becomes D/F#.

Last reviewed: May 31, 2026