Wonderwall Capo Variations: Where to Put It and Why

"Wonderwall" by Oasis is famously played with a capo on the 2nd fret. The chord shapes are Em7-G-Dsus4-A7sus4 in capo position. The actual sounding chords are F#m7-A-Esus4-B7sus4. Without the capo, the song lives in F# minor, which is harder to play with open chord shapes.

Why Capo on Fret 2?

The original recording is in F# minor. With capo on the 2nd fret, the chord shapes you finger become Em-shape voicings, but they sound a whole step higher. The result: you play easy open shapes and the song sounds like the recording.

This is what capos are for. They let you play easy chord shapes in keys that don't have easy open shapes.

Other Capo Positions

For different vocal ranges, you can move the capo:

• Capo 0 (no capo): Em7-G-Dsus4-A7sus4 shapes in the key of E minor. The song is a whole step lower than the recording.
• Capo 2: Standard. Matches the recording.
• Capo 4: Same shapes, song sounds in the key of G# minor (a half step higher than the recording). Useful for higher voices.
• Capo 7: Same shapes, song sounds in B minor. Significantly higher; useful for soprano vocals.

The No-Capo Version

If you don't have a capo, you have two options:

• Play in E minor using the same Em7-G-Dsus4-A7sus4 shapes. The song will be in a different key than the recording.
• Play in F# minor with barre chords: F#m7-A-Esus4-B7sus4. Much harder, requires barre chord facility.

The capo is the right answer. Buy one. They cost $10 to $30 for a decent model.

Capo Placement Tips

• Right behind the fret wire. Not on top of the fret. Not in the middle. Just behind the metal.
• Not too tight. The capo should hold the strings down with light pressure. Excessive pressure pulls the strings sharp.
• Check tuning after capoing. Many capos pull the strings slightly out of tune. Re-tune with the capo on.

FAQ: Wonderwall Capo Questions

What capo does Wonderwall use?

Capo on the 2nd fret. The chord shapes are Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4 (which sound as F#m7, A, Esus4, B7sus4).

Can I play Wonderwall without a capo?

Yes, but the song will be in a different key (E minor instead of F# minor). The chord shapes stay the same. The recording won't match the key but the song still works.

Why does the song use capo 2?

Because the original is in F# minor, and F# minor doesn't have easy open chord shapes. Capo 2 lets you play E-minor shapes that sound in F# minor.

What capo should I buy for Wonderwall?

Any decent spring capo or trigger capo will work. Brands like Kyser, G7th, and Shubb are reliable. Avoid the cheap elastic capos that don't apply consistent pressure.

Can I move the capo to a different fret if I want to sing it lower?

Yes. Capo 0 (no capo) puts the song in E minor, a whole step lower than the recording. Try the recording's key first; transpose if your voice can't reach.