This is going to sound ridiculous....

[k5koy]

But since Im new to guitar, I really have no idea how a capo<sp?> is used & what it does. I see alot of players using them, but as a bass player, its completely alien to me. Please, regale me with your input...
Thanks,

Koy Carson
West Texas

**60th Anniversary American Strat
**Carvin AC175 Thinline Acoustic
**Ibanez EW20ZW Electric/Acoustic
**Arbor AJ145CR Jazz
**Fender Marcus Miller 5 String Bass
**Fender Geddy Lee Signature Bass
**Warwick Corvette 4 string Bass
**Tradition Fretless Bass
**Takamine Hollow body Bass
http://www.myspace.com/k5koy

The "PickKeeper" The ORIGINAL Guitar Accessory
http://everythinglubbock.com/content/marketplace/classifieds/items?cat_id=505&item_id=64601

 

[rkwrenn]

Not ridiculous at all. Check this Wiki link...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capo

Cheers and HTH,

Bob

 

[marnold]

A capo is mainly used by acoustic guitarists to change the key of the guitar for a particular song. The capo basically becomes a new nut. So if you put the capo on the first fret and played an open E chord, it would sound like an F. I've never used one either, but that's my limited experience.

 

[k5koy]

Ok, that explains what it is & how its used, but I more confused now.
WHY? I guess would be the appropriate question here. I cant get my head around why you would want to do that.

Koy Carson
West Texas
**60th Anniversary American Strat
**Carvin AC175 Thinline Acoustic
**Ibanez EW20ZW Electric/Acoustic
**Arbor AJ145CR Jazz
**Fender Marcus Miller 5 String Bass
**Fender Geddy Lee Signature Bass
**Warwick Corvette 4 string Bass
**Tradition Fretless Bass
**Takamine Hollow body Bass

The "PickKeeper" The ORIGINAL Guitar Accessory
http://everythinglubbock.com/content/marketplace/classifieds/items?cat_id=505&item_id=64601

 

[sunvalleylaw]

To be able to play open chords in a different key is a common reason. Makes it easier to shift a song into a different key for singing purposes, etc., and still be able to play chords in an open fashion, rather than in some other formation.

Because you have the capo essentially taking the place of the nut, you don't have to barre the chords father down the fretboard, and can play them open.

 

[marnold]

There was one song that I was trying to learn (it escapes me now) that was actually easier to play capoed on the first or second fret (can't remember which) simply because the chords were easier to play. It's hard to explain without giving you a specific example, but in this case it works.

 

[evenkeel]

A capo is mostly used as a tool to accomodate a singers vocal range. If a singer is most comfortable in D, but the fingering is easier in C, put the capo on the second fret and you are in business. A capo is a singer/guitar players best friend.

Tonal changes are also a factor. Lyle Lovett plays "If I had a Boat" capoed way up, 7th. fret I think. The guitar has a really bright, treble heavy sound.

You can also use a capo to fret just a few strings. I play a few tunes with a capo on the second fret and a partial capo (EADG only) on the fourth fret. Creates a alternate tuning only when those strings are open.

 

[k5koy]

Ok, now that makes sense! So just to be clear, If a singer likes D as you suggest, but C is a better choice for the guitarist, you stick it on 2nd fret and just play it like you normally would at the third fret?..Ok, that makes sense. Capos seem to be one of those items that there are a million different ones on the market. So, which one do I get?

Thanks!

Koy Carson
West Texas

**60th Anniversary American Strat
**Carvin AC175 Thinline Acoustic
**Ibanez EW20ZW Electric/Acoustic
**Arbor AJ145CR Jazz
**Fender Marcus Miller 5 String Bass
**Fender Geddy Lee Signature Bass
**Warwick Corvette 4 string Bass
**Tradition Fretless Bass
**Takamine Hollow body Bass
http://www.myspace.com/k5koy

The "PickKeeper" The ORIGINAL Guitar Accessory
http://everythinglubbock.com/content/marketplace/classifieds/items?cat_id=505&item_id=64601

 

[rkwrenn]

I personally like Shubb capos...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=shubb&st=

They all work well. Start with a cheap one and see how it goes.

Here's a different type of capo...

http://www.weaseltrap.com/

I'll be getting one of these soon.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[sunvalleylaw]

I got a shubb at the rec of my instructor and like it.

 

[evenkeel]

Schubb and Kyser are two popular capos. Kyser is nice for gigging players as you can clamp it on the headstock when not in use. Kyser has a tendency to pull the guitar out of tune a bit. Schubb you can tweak to adjust the pressure. I have both and tend to use the Schubb. The shorty capo I use is a Kyser.

A new capo on the market is the g7 capo.

http://www.g7th.com/

Bunch of friends have it and love the thing.