Key
Bb (Bb Major)
Tempo / BPM
110 BPM (Approx.)
Tuning
Standard (E A D G B E)
Time Signature
4/4
Difficulty Level
Easy
Capo Position
Capo Fret 3
Chord Count
1 Unique Chords
Genre
Alternative
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Cauterize by Red is played in the key of Bb. Originally recorded in the sounding key of Bb, 'Cauterize' by Red is best approached with a Capo placed on Fret 3, enabling guitarists to execute friendly G shapes while fully preserving the studio pitch. For the Bb barre chord, guitarists can adopt a compact Bbmaj7 shape or apply a capo to convert shapes into familiar cowboy chord fingerings that feel natural. The primary progression challenge lies in switching between Bb and G: keep your fingers hovering close to the fretboard rather than flying off between changes. Set your metronome at an initial practice tempo of 79 BPM in 4/4 time to master the '↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑' strumming groove, emphasizing steady downstrokes on beats one and three before accelerating toward the studio speed of 110 BPM.
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Guitarist Playing Guide & Pedagogical Tips
Theory Guide
Guitar playing guide for Cauterize by Red: sounding in Bb (Capo Fret 3, shape G) at 110 BPM (4/4) featuring beginner-friendly strumming ('↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑').
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Key & Tempo: Sounding in Bb (Capo on Fret 3 (played in G shape)) at 110 BPM in 4/4 time signature.
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Voicing & Barre Bypass: Contains barre shapes (Bb) with open cowboy substitutions (Bbmaj7 or open A shape with capo) to eliminate finger fatigue.
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Critical Transition: Transition from Bb to G requires anchoring index or ring finger as a stable pivot.
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Strumming Pattern: Master '↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑' by starting at 79 BPM before accelerating to studio 110 BPM.
