The Sound of E Chord on Acoustic Guitar with Capo at the Third Fret: A Comprehensive Analysis

Guitarists often explore different chord shapes to produce unique and compelling sounds. One intriguing scenario involves playing an open E major chord shape with a capo placed on the third fret. This combination yields a distinct tone, subtly altering the characteristic sound of the E major chord. This article will delve into the theory behind the sound of the E chord with a capo on the third fret, providing a deep understanding of why it sounds so good.

Understanding the Chord Shapes

To fully comprehend the sound difference, it is essential to examine the open E major shape and the capoed F major shape (since a capo at the third fret turns the open E major into a F major).

Open E Major Chord

The open E major shape (Example 1) is made up of the following notes:

1. 3 G (P)
2. 0 B (O)
3. 0 G (O)
4. 0 D (O)
5. 2 B (M)
6. 3 G (I)

When broken down into string pairs, you get a major third (G-B) on strings 6-5, an inverted major third (B-G) on strings 2-1, and a fifth (D-G) on strings 4-3. The chord can be seen as a combination of a G chord (G-B-D) and a major third (G-B-G).

Capoed F Major Chord

The capoed F major shape at the third fret (Example 2) is made up of the following notes:

1. 3 G (C)
2. 3 D (C)
3. 4 B (I)
4. 5 G (R)
5. 5 D (M)
6. 3 G (C)

When broken down into string pairs, you get a fifth (G-D) on strings 6-5, an inverted fifth (D-G) on strings 2-1, and a major third (G-B) on strings 4-3. The chord can be seen as a combination of a G chord (G-D-G) and an inverted G chord (B-D-G).

Modified Open G Chord

There is a modified open G chord that utilizes the same note pattern as the capoed F major shape (Example 3).

1. 3 G (P)
2. 3 D (R)
3. 0 G (O)
4. 0 D (O)
5. 2 B (M)
6. 3 G (I)

This modified open G chord has 2 Gs, 1 B, and 2 Ds. When broken down into string pairs, you get a major third (G-B) on strings 6-5 and two inverted fifths (D-G) on strings 4-3 and 2-1.

Reasoning Behind the Sound Difference

The reason why the capoed F major shape sounds so good is due to its strong fifth chords that dominate the sound. Both the G-D and D-G fifths, along with the major third B-D, create a robust and intense tone. In comparison, the open E major chord, with its major third (G-B) and inverted fifth (D-G), has a softer, more mellow sound.

Conclusion

The sound of the E chord when played on an acoustic guitar with a capo at the third fret is a result of the unique chord shape that emphasizes fifth chords. This combination creates a richer, more powerful sound that many guitarists find appealing.

For those interested in exploring this concept further, try experimenting with different capo positions and chord shapes to discover new sounds and harmonies. Happy playing!

Keywords: acoustic guitar, capo, E major chord