How do notes change when you use a capo on the guitar?

Question

I've done research on the internet and I've come across some 'conversion capo charts' but I am still confused.

For example: Can I play a DM chord if I place the capo on the 4th fret? And if so, how do I figure that out?

Thanks bunches!

Answer 1

The chord positions are played the same.  By placing the Capo on the second fret (example), you've changed the sound by a half note.  A Capo is convenient if you don't want to transpose music, but wish to match your voice to the current  music.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=how+to+...

Answer 2

"Notes" are little black dots on a piece of paper. The "tones" (actual sounds) are affected by being raised one "half-step" for every fret it is "raised". If the capo is on the first fret, its raised ("sharped") one half-step. If its on the second fret it is "sharped" 2 half-steps, or one "whole step", etc. If you don't know what whole and half steps are, you need to find out.

Answer 3

when you put a capo its like putting a bar on the fret. all the notes change in a way because it is like pressing the note altogether this could help you because through putting capos you're able to change the pitch of your guitar without changing the tuning.

Answer to example: yes just do it how you do it in the original tuning but it'll sound a lot higher depending where you put the capo

Answer 4

I'm confused... just WHY would you "do research" when all you have to do is take your guitar and stick a CAPO on the first fret and then just LISTEN to what the change is?  

I think you need to get a teacher to help you with the basics of playing a guitar because  it's obvious to me that you don't KNOW the basics and before you go doing all the fancy stuff.. you need a grounding in BASICS.