Crealanta Magazine

Make use of a Capo to change Your Tune .

Jul 14, 2022

There are countless guitar chords. If you're new to the instrument, the thought of learning every one of them can be difficult. Not to mention that some are barre chords or ones that span four frets--those are extremely difficult to learn!

If we said that, as long as you have a basic understanding of chord shapes, you can play just about every chord?

All thanks to the tiny device known as an capo.

What Is a Guitar Capo?

A capo is an incredibly small device that is clamped to the fretboard on a guitar (or any instrument of the lute family, really). You can place it anywhere along the guitar neck and by changing the tone of your strings without re-tuning them.

How Does it Perform?

If you press down one of the strings, you reduce the portion of it which vibrates and increases in its pitch. A capo works exactly the same way, using it as if you were pressing down on all the strings on the same fret the at the same time.

Why Use a Capo?

There are a few great reasons to use the capo

  1. Capos aren't just for beginners, either. If you're a singer or you accompany an artist and a capo lets you alter the key of a song in order to fit their voice in just a couple of moments. It's much easier to clamp on a capo instead of trying to transpose all the chords at the moment.
  2. Lastly, even though the purpose of a capo is to be utilized across all strings however some musicians prefer to play around and place it on four or five. This allows them to achieve unusual tunings, without having to tune all of the guitar. This innovative method has inspired the creation of partial capos. With a partial capo, you can choose which strings to push down on and take your guitar playing to a different level.

How to Use a Capo

Capos are typically made for guitar and ukulele. Here's how to use both.

What is the best way to use a guitar? Capo

There are several types of capos, but one of the most popular and most commonly used is the trigger-type capo. It is powered by the spring so that you are able to open the capo by holding down the trigger and let it wrap around the fretboard. Below are a few tips to be aware of:

  • Place the capo on the top of the fretboard not underneath it.
  • The capo must be placed in the middle of the bar to the right of the fret. Not above the bar or within the middle of the fret.
  • Place the capo on slowly, making sure the strings are all clamped at the same time and no strings are bent upwards or down.
  • Make sure the part lying on the fretboard is straight.

When the capo is turned switched on, you can test how the strings sound one at a time. The strings shouldn't be dull or make the sound of a buzz. When you first put on a capo, utilize a tuner to be certain that each string is in tune. If any of them are slighty bent due to the capo, they'll sound little rough or flat.

What is the best way to use a Ukulele? Capo

Ukulele capos function exactly the same manner, and require the same level of care when putting them on. The most crucial rule to remember is to never use capos for guitars with a Ukulele. Ukulele capos are smaller and are less strained. Using the capo of a guitar on your ukulele could cause damage to the strings or even all of the instruments over the course of long periods of.

Use a Capo

Capos can be purchased for a very reasonable price and are easily available online or at your local music store. Get your hands on one and experience the difference it makes to your experience playing and open up a whole new world of possibilities!

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