Capo with open low E-string

A capo put over five strings can give a guitar sound that remains about open tunings. This article covering capo configurations with an open low E string. As an example, capo on 2nd fret and the low E string open will result in the emulated tuning E-B-E-A-C#-F#.

A capo is primarily constructed to press down six strings and it may not always work perfect when leaving out strings. You should control that all strings sounds as they should. If you experience that the highest string doesn’t being press down enough by the capo, adjust it or try to use the other side of the capo and place it up side down so to say (may not be an option depending on the capo model).

Capo 2 with open low E-string

F#m/E

  • F#m/E chord diagram with partial capo

A6/E

  • A6/E chord diagram with partial capo

D/E

  • D/E chord diagram with partial capo

E

  • E chord diagram with partial capo

Comments

The capo is pressing down strings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Playing with the capo on the 2nd fret and with an open low E-string can be seen as an emulated “Drop E tuning” (compare with Drop D tuning), which would be impossible in other ways.

One chord that sound nice in this special tuning is C#m11, which can be found in various positions:

C#m11/E: 042442
C#m11/E (II): 066422
C#m11/E (III): 029822

Obviously, chords that sound great including an E note will be prioritized in this capo configuration. Some suggestions of chord progressions can be found in this pdf: chords progressions for emulated tuning E-B-E-A-C#-F#.

Capo 4 with open low E-string

Emaj9

  • Emaj9 chord diagram with partial capo

Amaj7/E

  • Amaj7/E chord diagram with partial capo

B11/E

  • B11/E chord diagram with partial capo

F#m7/E

  • F#m7/E chord diagram with partial capo

Comments

This capo placement emulates the tuning E-C#-F#-B-D#-G#.

A quite peculiar circumstance is that Emaj9 in this configuration also can be played as 064444 (D# doubling instead of E doubling).

E major, is one of the viable keys in this emulated tuning. Some suggestions of chord progressions:

F#m7/E - B11/E - Emaj9 - Amaj7/E

C#11/E (049874) - Amaj7/E

Capo 5 with open low E-string

Am/E

  • Am/E chord diagram with partial capo

C/E

  • C/E chord diagram with partial capo

F/E

  • F/E chord diagram with partial capo

Em7

  • Em7 chord diagram with partial capo

Comments

This capo placement emulates the tuning E-D-G-C-E-A.

F/E can also be played as 087565 (F doubling instead of E doubling). The Em7 will turn into a G chord if the low E-string is muted (X55787).

E major, is one of the viable keys in this emulated tuning. Some suggestions of chord progressions:

Am/E - C/E - Emaj9 - Amaj7/E

C6/E (057585) - Dadd2/A (057755)

See also The Capo Chart ebook with lots of additional chord diagrams and progressions for capo positions with both low and high open E-strings.

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