Capo - What is it?

[kdnate]

Can anyone give me a simple to understand explanation of what a Capo is and what it is used for? I see it in a lot of music that I try to play and I'm not sure what it is. Songs seem to sound fine without the capo so I'm not sure what it's purpose is? Also if it's something I might want to try using; Anyone have a favorite brand they use. Is it safe to use on a guitar without worrying about it doing any damage to the neck?

Thanks,
Kdnate

[Tarnisher]

Hi Kdnate. I'm happy to answer your question, but in the spirit of "teaching a man to fish," I'd recommend you try google and wikipedia for immediate results when looking for definitions and explanations of unfamiliar words.

A capo is a device which shortens the length of the strings on a fretted instrument. There are dozens of different kinds, but they all consist of some sort of bar which works like your finger does on barre chords, and some sort of mechanism for clamping the bar down.

The main reason for using a capo is to play a song in a different key, without changing the chord voicings. For example, let's say you learned to play a song using open chords but found it difficult to sing it in that key. Rather than transposing it to a different key, which might involve subbing barre chords and thus changing the tone or playability of the song, you could just slap on a capo and try it up and down the neck until you find a key that works for you, all without teaching your fingers any new tricks.

[kdnate]

Thanks Tarnisher, I really appriciate the response.
I did do a google search first and read a few of the definitions and explanantions online. None of which were as clear and easy to understand as what you wrote. Sometimes to much info can just confuse a beginner like me.

Do you have a particiular brand that you would suggest? I'd be using it with a Martin D35.

Thanks again,
Kdnate

[Professor SourTone]

Originally Posted by kdnate

Thanks Tarnisher, I really appriciate the response.
I did do a google search first and read a few of the definitions and explanantions online. None of which were as clear and easy to understand as what you wrote. Sometimes to much info can just confuse a beginner like me.

Do you have a particiular brand that you would suggest? I'd be using it with a Martin D35.

Thanks again,
Kdnate

I like Shubb capos, but there are many good designs, some of which are easier to change/adjust "on the fly". If you just need one that does the job 100pc reliably a Shubb is a good choice. make sure its the regular radius model, because they also do one for tight radius Fender electrics..

For sentimental reasons I also like the Dunlop "Johnny Cash", which is also a good capo in its own right.

[Tarnisher]

Glad I could help!

I prefer the Paige capo:


It's harder to change on the fly, since you have to screw it on at the back, but it holds the strings down better than other capos I've used. I used to use a Shubb, but this one sounded much clearer- more like a good guitar player playing a barre, and less like a beginner.

I also have a G7th springloaded capo that I use as a backup. It works fine if I'm gigging and need to be able to change quickly, and the poorer sound quality isn't really noticeable with bar noise and amp distortion. But if I'm recording an acoustic song, it's gotta be the Paige.

[aunchaki]

Originally Posted by Tarnisher

The main reason for using a capo is to play a song in a different key, without changing the chord voicings.

There are two equal-but-opposite uses of the capo. One is as Tarnisher suggests: to play in a different key without changing the chord shapes. The other is to play in the same key using different chord shapes.

Songs in awkward keys (like Eb for standard-tuned guitars) can be easier to play by using a capo. Do a little chord math and you'll find that you can transform a hard-to-play song into G, C, A and D chord shapes just by using a capo.

[wetland10]

The Paige capo looks interesting. I currently use the Shubb that is made for a 7.25 neck radius. Anyone know how the Paige would handle that?

Wayne

[Tarnisher]

I don't know what my neck radiuses (radiae?) are but I've used the Paige on lots of different guitars with no problems, so unless 7.25 is way out of the usual range, it should work. I recommend finding a good music store that has them and trying it out against the Shubb. When I did that I heard a clear difference in clarity- much less buzz. I think it's because the Paige distributes the pressure from the center of the back of the neck, so all strings get pretty even pressure. The Shubb claims to do this, but in fact its sliding mechanism causes the pressure to end up more on one side.

[scubadoo]

erm, searching for 'capo' on wikipedia seems to give all the information you need.