In the video above, we walk you through some really fun double capo tricks that let you simulate drop tunings — like Drop E and Drop F — without ever touching your tuning pegs. If you’re looking for fresh ways to use your capo, check out our complete how to use a guitar capo for even more ideas.
Here’s the basic concept: instead of using one capo across all six strings, you use two capos at different positions. The first capo comes up from below the fretboard and covers only five strings, leaving your low E string open. The second capo goes across everything at a higher fret. The result? You keep that deep, rumbling low E note while the rest of your chord shapes ring out at a higher pitch.
Why Double Capo Tricks Work So Well
The beauty of this technique is in the contrast. You get bright, shimmery chord voicings from the capoed strings combined with that big, full low E bass note underneath. It sounds massive — almost like a 12-string effect in some cases.
If you normally play in the key of D, capoing at the second fret shifts everything up a whole tone. A D shape becomes E. An A shape becomes B. A G shape becomes A. But because your low E string stays open, you still have that deep root note anchoring everything. It creates a sound similar to drop tuning, but without any of the hassle of retuning your guitar.
Setting Up Your Two Capos
You’ll want a capo that comes from below the fretboard for the first position. Some players file down or modify the tip of their capo slightly so it doesn’t buzz against the open sixth string. You don’t have to do this, but it can help get a cleaner sound.
Place the first capo at the second fret from underneath, covering strings 1 through 5. Then place the second capo normally across all six strings if you want to shift keys even further. Experiment with fret positions — each placement gives you a different dropped key to work with.
What You Can Play With This Setup
Once you have your capos in place, try playing through familiar open chord shapes. The D, G, A, and E minor shapes all take on a new character. The key of E is especially rewarding because you get easy-to-play chord shapes (the ones you already know from D major) but with that powerful low E bass note ringing through.
This setup also works great for fingerpicking patterns. That open low string gives you a droning bass note you can keep returning to while your fingers work the melody on the higher strings.
If you enjoy this kind of creative capo use, you’ll want to check out our posts on the Spider Capo and using a partial capo — both open up even more possibilities for unique sounds without alternate tunings.
Tips for Getting the Best Sound
Always retune after placing your capos. Even a well-placed capo can pull your strings slightly sharp, and with two capos on the neck, the effect doubles. Take a moment to check each string and make small adjustments.
Also, pay attention to capo placement relative to the fret wire. Position each capo close to the fret (on the tuning-peg side) for the cleanest tone with the least buzzing.
Give these double capo tricks a try next time you pick up your guitar. You might be surprised at how much bigger and more interesting your playing sounds with this simple setup.