tuning and capo

[koen]

I play a Telecaster and use a Shubb capo (http://www.shubb.com/deluxe/index.html) on several songs. Just to be sure to be in tune, after putting on or removing the capo, I check my tuning. I almost always need to adjust the tuning.

Any suggestions on how to keep the guitar in better tune when playing with a capo? Do you guys tune with a capo in place?

[mrmorrison]

I've been doing the same thing for over 15 years now, and I can't find a way around having to retune a bit after taking a capo off, either.

[wetland10]

I think it's just one of those things...

Wayne

[klasaine]

Putting on a capo changes the scale of your instrument as well as the string tension. Everybody has to re-tune a little. There are better places on each guitar (as well as the fret) to place the capo. That you'll learn yourself on your individual instrument.
I will say don't clamp it too tight and place it 'more' towards the body* end of the fret.

*as in body of the guitar.

[Wally]

I use a Victor by Dunlop. They are tension adjustable and radius adjustable. THey are the best, imho. IF the radius doesn't match the board, then by the time you get the capo down on all strings, some strings have too much tension and go sharp. When you get the radius correct and the tension correct, it is like playing with proper technique....things play in tune....as well as any guitar can since these are imperfect instruments at best, right?
Koen, if you want to see if your capoand fretboard have a radius mismatch..or match...do this experiment. Place the cap in position and slowly tighten that tension nut on the SHubb whiel gently picking across the strings. IF some strings are 'fretted' before others, then the radii of the two variables is mismatched. IF the outside strings 'come' before the inside, the cap's radius is shorter than the fretboard. IF the inside strings 'come' first, then the radius of the capo is flat relative to the 'board. Which ever strings come to the fret first will be sharp by the time enough tension is applied to bring the other strings to the fret.
I liek the Shubb in that it is tension adjustable. However, if the radius is mismatched, it does not offer any adjustment. The Victor is made of brass and can be radiused to match any fretboard.

[emiller45]

Originally Posted by wetland10

I think it's just one of those things...

Wayne

Yep!

I always retune when I capo, especially when recording. I don't know of a sure fire way around it. If I know I will be using a capo, I either have a tuner that clips to the guitar or my effects board which has a tuner in it. That way I can retune very quickly without too much disruption.

[FirstBassman]

Yeah, we've covered this many times.

Re-tune after applying (and taking off) capo. Takes a few seconds.

[Wally]

The only cure for it is technical. Certain capos take any guitar out of tune just as certain player techniques take a guitar out of tune.
Some capos don't do this, just as certain players don't have intonation problems.
So, retune or address the problem from a technical aspect....it is a choice.

[tele salivas]

yep, just one of them things...capo matching the radius is about the only thing I can think of, if the material on the cap-o isn't wearing out, your strings shouldn't be too adversely affected by retuning with it on..in my experience

[koen]

Thanks for all the reactions. I am going to play with the tension of my capo, and see if that improves it.

[J.S. Bach]

hmmmm. I've never had this problem. Usually i do have to flatten my 6th string like 1/2 of a cent when i use a capo and then bring it back up when i take it off, but thats the only one. I use Kyser capos.

[Wally]

Johann SEbastian...that is the tension thing going on.

[NealVossy]

Just get a G7 capo. Nashville or standard. It will solve all your problems.