Capo is an excellent tool for musicians and music producers. It allows you to transpose your music to various keys without altering the length of the strings or causing tuning problems, which is particularly useful for guitars with distinct tunings on each string. You can also use Capo to change the sound of an instrument by playing it higher or lower than its normal range. Capo comes in many sizes and shapes, from small, single-finger models to large, multiple-finger models, so there’s something for all types of instruments!
The word “capo” comes from the Italian word “capotasto”, which means hood or headpiece. Capos are small pieces of plastic or metal that attach to guitar necks so you can change keys without changing chords. You put them on the 2nd fret for C, the 3rd fret for D and so on until you reach the top where they’re not needed anymore because all strings are in tune. The Capo is like a superhero cape for your guitar! We’ll teach you how to use it in this blog post!
This article will talk about 11 important things that musicians need to know about Capo and Capo-related issues. Let’s start with No. 1.
1. What is a Capo?
You may not know, but the word “capo” comes from the Italian word “Capotasto”, which means hood or headpiece. Capo is a device that helps you change the key of your guitar. It makes your guitar neck shorter/longer to make it easier for you to play the chords that are generally played at a higher pitch. It works by clamping onto your guitar neck and limits the strings’ vibrating length.
2. Can You Capo an Electric Guitar
The short answer is YES. You can use a Capo with an electric guitar. The most popular use for the Capo is when playing live. It allows you to play all the songs in a Major Key instead of trying to fumble different chord shapes on your fretboard.
3. What Are Capos Used For
The basic idea is to make your guitar easier to play. But it can be used for other stuff, too, like making it EASIER to play in different keys (e.g. C#) or making chord patterns.
4. How to Setup Your Capo
To use a capo, you must first attach the Capo using the supplied screws and washers to your guitar neck. Then you need to tighten the screws firmly to make sure that it stays in place.
Using 3 or 5 string guitars, you need to adjust your saddles (for low and high strings) so that they perfectly fit your new Capo’s thickness.
5. Will Capo Damage Ukulele
Capo can damage your ukulele if you use it wrong. If you are not careful while using a capo, it can damage the fretboard of your ukulele. When using a capo to tune down the strings, you need to make sure that strings are still playable and won’t put strains on your ukulele’s neck.
6. Can a Capo Damaged My Guitar
Although it is rare, some people have had their guitars damaged when a capo is used on them. It could be because of the wrong type of Capo being used or a lack of skill in using it.
So, when you are using a capo, make sure that it fits well on your guitar and don’t press too hard on it or pull too hard.
7. How Much Does a Capo Cost?
Different capos come in various shapes and sizes. There are premium Capos, which can cost around $200- $300. And there are the standard Capos, which can cost about $10-$50.
So, the price range of Capo is vast. It just depends on your taste and budget. You can get Capos for as low as $10 on Amazon. Still, it would be best to be very careful because these budget Capos are often of very low quality and are not durable.
8. What Is The Best Capo
There are many capos on the market, and since they don’t have the same features, it can be hard to choose one. There is only one thing that you need to think about when purchasing a capo:
The size of the clamp, the materials used for making it and if it has any defects.
Here are 5 of the best Capo in the market today:
1) G7th Performance 3 Capo with ART (Steel String Satin Black):
The G7th Performance 3 Capo with ART (Steel String Satin Black) will keep your guitar in tune at any position on your instrument. The unique tension control allows you to release pressure on the strings as needed for more accurate tuning. The Performance 3 capo is designed for one-handed use by anyone in any size hands. With a bit of practice, it’s nearly as quick to move between frets as a spring capo, but without the need for frequent retuning. The Performance 3 capo stores easily behind the nut for quick and easy access or on the headstock. This Capo comes with an instructional sheet on how to use it. All other G7th products are available at no additional charge in our web store.
2) D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo
Designed with guitar players in mind, D’Addario Tri-Action Capo is an excellent solution for neck support and string pressure.
This Capo is made of aircraft-grade aluminium and is designed with an integrated pick holder, ensuring that you won’t lose the little piece of mind that your favourite tuning tool has always provided.
The pick holder can be removed or attached to your guitar at your discretion. With a micrometre tension adjustment, this Capo provides you with outstanding stability and sustain.
3) Shubb C1 Steel String Capo
Shubb has incorporated several functions previously only accessible in the S model into the Standard C line of capos.
So, deluxe features at a regular price. Bargain! Its slender form shouldn’t stop you from playing around the clamped fret, however.
To lock the Capo in place or remove it, flick the lever – once you’ve set the screw tensioner for optimum pressure, that is. Sure, it’s just a 20-second job, but if you move your Capo across the fretboard or to a second guitar frequently, the quickness of a quick-release capo may be preferred.
Even still, it’s a small niggle. This is a timeless design, a well-made industry standard that should last for years. You can shop with confidence.
4) Ernie Ball Axis Capo
Ernie Ball has a reputation for being a pioneer in the electric guitar and music industry, and now they’ve created a capo that will be the envy of every player.
Capo is comfortable, easy to use, and sturdy. Made from lightweight aluminium, this Capo protects your guitar’s finish and is easy to hold onto, even with sweaty hands.
And with two different positions (flat or curved), you can fit the Capo onto any fretboard. So whether you’re just learning how to play the guitar or an expert at picking up the instrument, this Capo will make your life a lot easier!
5) Jim Dunlop Acoustic Trigger, Curved, Black Guitar Capo
The Jim Dunlop Acoustic Trigger guitar capo will make fret positioning easy and less painful. It is ergonomically designed to put your hands in the most comfortable position for fretting. It features an aircraft quality aluminium construction and is easy to remove and re-install. The strong spring action makes it stay firmly in place when you clamp it on a fret and prevents fingers from slipping. Made in the USA, the trigger has a curved shape that makes it especially easy to use with 6 and 12 string guitars.
9. Will a Guitar Capo Work On a Ukulele
A guitar capo works on most instruments and is especially good for ukulele, mandolin and banjo players who have a hard time playing tunes in the key of G.
10. Can a Guitar Capo Help With Finger Strength?
Used correctly, a guitar capo can help improve your finger strength. By pressing down lightly on the fret one block at a time (eighth notes), you can increase your finger strength. This will help you play faster and more accurately while not damaging your fingers.
11. How Do Capo Changes Key
Capo changes the key by moving the tuning lever to a different place. For this, you need to unscrew the screw that is over the fret and slide it. Then, use a proper tool for properly taking the Capo off or on. These tools are available from every guitar shop.
Conclusion
A capo is an excellent invention for musicians. It can be used to change the octave or tuning, and it helps in playing more efficiently.
Many professional musicians use them because they make difficult songs easier to play without looking at your guitar’s neck.
If you don’t have one yet, then we recommend getting one ASAP! You’ll thank us later when singing along with your favourite song that’s too high of an octave for you to sing! What type of Capo do you currently own? Or which Capo are you planning to buy? Do let us know!
