What fret is the capo on for the song Darkness is Cheap?

The song Darkness is Cheap by Wilco uses a capo on fret 5. Using a capo allows you to play the song with open chord shapes without difficult barre chords.

Darkness is Cheap

Q: How to play the easy chords for Darkness is Cheap (Wilco)?

To play the Easy Chords for Darkness is Cheap, toggle the Easy Chords button above the workstation canvas. This version is designed with beginner-friendly open chords with Capo on Fret 5 to make transitions easier without barre chords.

Q: Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?

Yes, ChordGitar.in features touch-free Auto-Scroll with speed control, as well as an integrated player so your tempo and rhythm practice stays precise.

Wilco verified

Key: F

110 BPM

Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)

Strum: ↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑

🎸 Original Version Easy Chords

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Notation

Capo

Instrument

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Easy Chord Tip: Use capo on fret 5 — use C chord shapes.

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CHORD DIAGRAMS

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tune Transposed: semitones

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info About This Song

Song Fundamentals

Key F (F 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 5

Chord Count 4 Unique Chords

Genre Alt-country

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Strumming Pattern ↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑

Time Signature 4/4

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Darkness is Cheap by Wilco is played in the key of F. Originally recorded in the sounding key of F, 'Darkness is Cheap' by Wilco is best approached with a Capo placed on Fret 5, enabling guitarists to execute friendly C shapes while fully preserving the studio pitch. To prevent hand fatigue on the challenging F barre chord, beginners can comfortably substitute an open Fmaj7 (xx3210) or small four-string F (xx3211) without sacrificing harmonic richness or vocal support. The pivotal chord transition occurs between F and Dm: anchor your index finger as a pivot guide and keep your fingertips close to the frets to prevent hesitation on the downbeat. 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.

account_tree Chord Progression Analysis

Harmonic Progression

Progression Pattern (Roman Numerals)

I – vi – V – III – I – vi

Song chords:

star Primary Chords (Song Foundation)

F Dm C A

Chords that repeat most frequently throughout the verse and chorus.

more_horiz Auxiliary / Transition Chords

This song focuses on a minimalist 4-chord foundation.

Used as harmonic transition variations in intro, bridge, or outro.

tune Why Use a Capo?

Capo & Sounding Key

Sounding Key F Acoustic pitch of original recording

Capo Fret 5 sync_alt Raises the pitch of open strings

Fingering Shape Key C Open chord finger positions

Placing a Capo on Fret 5 transforms fingering into C, maintaining F sound without complex barre chords.

lightbulb Alternative Capo Positions for This Song:

piano Chord Family F

Diatonic Matrix

This song is built on the key of F. Here are the 7 diatonic chords (Chord Family) that harmonize according to music theory:

I F Tonic

ii Gm Supertonic

iii Am Mediant

IV Bb Subdominant

V C Dominant

vi Dm Submediant

vii° Edim Leading

speed Difficulty Level: Easy

Difficulty Determinants for This Song:

check_circle Uses 4 unique chords throughout the song

check_circle Requires 1 barre chord shapes (F)

check_circle Capo on fret 5 is recommended for optimal finger comfort

dna MUSICAL DNA:

KEY: F • TEMPO: 110 BPM (Approx.) • PROG: I – vi – V – III – I – vi • DIFF: 2/5 • CAPO: 5

help Easy Chord Guide & FAQ Darkness is Cheap

FAQ & Tips

quiz How to play the easy chords for Darkness is Cheap (Wilco)?

To play the Easy Chords for Darkness is Cheap, toggle the Easy Chords button above the workstation canvas. This version is designed with beginner-friendly open chords with Capo on Fret 5 to make transitions easier without barre chords.

quiz What are the basic guitar chords and original key for Darkness is Cheap?

The original recording key for Darkness is Cheap by Wilco is F. You can use the Transpose (+ / -) feature anytime to adjust the pitch to match male or female vocal ranges automatically.

quiz Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?

Yes, ChordGitar.in features touch-free Auto-Scroll with speed control, as well as an integrated player so your tempo and rhythm practice stays precise.

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Darkness is Cheap - Wilco

Official Audio

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Listen to official audio for Darkness is Cheap by Wilco on streaming platforms:

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Wilco

Darkness is Cheap

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info About This Song

account_tree Chord Progression Analysis

tune Why Use a Capo?

piano Chord Family F

speed Difficulty Level: Easy

help Easy Chord Guide & FAQ Darkness is Cheap

quiz How to play the easy chords for Darkness is Cheap (Wilco)?

quiz What are the basic guitar chords and original key for Darkness is Cheap?

quiz Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?