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What I want to know is when we use capo does the scale of the tuned string shift?
What does it mean for example if I put capo on the second fret?
If no capo is used then the scale is "E B G D A E".
So, what happens to the tuning when I use capo?

Regolith
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  • The notes of the open strings is not called a "scale", so we wouldn't say "if no capo is used then the **scale** is 'E B G D A E'", we would say, "If no capo is used, then the **open notes** are 'E B G D A E'", although we usually list them lowest to highest, which is 'E A D G B E'. – Todd Wilcox Jan 08 '17 at 19:27
  • If you want to learn more about how to use a capo - you might find this interesting (http://music.stackexchange.com/a/30935/16897) – Rockin Cowboy Jan 08 '17 at 20:29

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The capo is designed to transpose everything by the same amount. So, with an open tuning of E A D G B E, putting the capo on the second fret will make the new 'open' strings F# B E A C# F#. Putting on 3rd fret will make it G C F Bb Eb G and so on. It's really simple and basic, like fretting a particular string in the same place.

However - you use the term scale, and I wonder what you think that actually means. In music a scale is a set of notes, in order, played ascending or descending. Using a capo has no direct effect on scales.

Tim
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