3 Important Reasons To Use A Capo As A Guitar Player

[@Guitarzoom]

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[@davidlockwood9915]

Yes but if you play them using the CAGED system you are actually maintaining open chords while barring with your finger where the Capo would be placed!

[@davidlockwood9915]

Yes but if you play them using the CAGED system you are actually maintaining open chords while barring with your finger where the Capo would be placed!

[@duanetrivett750]

"You want them to have Fun" ! Steve that the best thing I ever heard a Teacher say . I have been playing for almost 50 years and when you said "You want them to have Fun" that really made so much sense to me ! Good Luck from Tennessee .

[@kennyg63]

So many people could benefit from playing guitar. There no reason to make it more difficult than it needs to be. 😊

[@robtoc]

Great lesson Steve! This just happened to me in church this past Sunday. I practiced the the three songs one way, and the piano player changed the key on two of the songs. Captain Capo came to the rescue and no one in congregation ever knew.

[@lynnglidewell7367]

As a young guitarist at 13 I used many Bar Chords in my playing. Now at 72 they are more difficult as time takes its toll with various joint issues. Open chords are the solution. A capo is a great assist. Very good information here in the video for new or seasoned players. Mark is always one of my go too on KZbin.

[@jamespriest9658]

us old guys love us some capo..

[@vicpnut1]

Mark?

[@flyonwall360]

And reason #4. Open tuning. I also use a capo when playing in open E on the second fret. This way, I can drop the E, G, B, and E strings without putting more stress on the neck.

[@tomdaoust]

I knew all of what you are talking about, but I found your way of explaining it very useful. I'll pass it on. Thanks.

[@RoyBoTbbsjr]

Ive made Capo so confusing,NOW i get it. Thanks.

[@masoudshokrai5886]

You make so much sense

[@rotmusic8505]

Capo can b a god send as you're getting older. After 20 over 20 years of singing, I can't hit the notes I could in my teens and early 20s. So figuring what the chords are a 1/2 to full step down to fit my voice is great. Plus playing a few hours for a show it gives my hand a rest when I don't have to do Barre chords on every song.

[@rayjayvids]

Thanks, good explanation. I always need to check the tuning after putting on a capo because it can sometimes push the guitar out of tune. This can happen on low action as well as high!

[@freddysnip6257]

I can agree with the first two reasons. The third reason not so much IMHO, since it entourages new players not to learn more chords. A better third reason in my opinion is alternate ( open) tunings

[@johnpittman4152]

Steve, I have learned a lot from you. I am a drummer who broke both elbows a couple of years ago. You helped me go from just open chords to knowing some theory, Bar chords and scales. You have a way of getting your knowledge across in an understandable way. THANK YOU BROTHER

[@tedlivermore6955]

If you dont mind me asking, how did you break both elbows,car accident?

[@siralleycat9141]

Another reason to use a capo is to change the sound of your guitar, more twangy like a mandolin. A good example is Wagon Wheel. He uses a capo on the second fret, and you can easily play the open chords without one in the same key, but it just doesn't have the same sound.

[@cadpole]

It’s nice to hear a little love for the capo for a change, it’s not a cheat it’s just a tool you can you. Here comes the sun by The Beatles uses a capo on the 7th fret. It’s the only way to get the high open string D chord sound.

[@allsonsoh2378]

Thank you Steve for the lesson

[@alfredcalleja450]

Thanks, I really enjoyed this tutorial. (from Australia)

[@impressiveprogressive7343]

That's right, with bar chords you don't get that "jangling" effect you get from open cording. As a learner of guitar that was one thing that always struck me and that I could never get my head around. But it's so true. Everyone knows that the "king of the jangling sound" is of course the 12 string acoustic guitar. Thanks Steve.

[@davidbrandt6925]

Yes and it's good to tune the 12 string to D for less tension on the neck.

[@impressiveprogressive7343]

@@davidbrandt6925 yep bc capos are cheaper than repairs LOLOL

[@johncuriale7085]

Thanks Steve, I'm still pretty new at this,and I guess i never really realized, till now, that the barcord, which I usually avoid, Is basically just turning your finger into a capo, Huh, I obviously need to practice my bar cords, Thanks again, Steve. You always been one of my favorite teachers,Jas 1v12🙏❤️🎸

[@Sparks523]

Thank you Steve for explaining this and making it so simple to understand that I should’ve learnt years ago.

[@MrGmooney]

Great stuff, Steve, I have been playing guitar over 50 years and teaching it for almost 25 years,i play bar chords of course,but I totally agree with you about the capo.its such a great invention. I always bring my capo with me on gigs. Why make life harder than we need to?

[@danfreisting2874]

Really well explained

[@terrythekittieful]

Great lesson Stevo. One of the better lessons on YT.

[@Steve-od6hi]

Best understanding and reasoning I have heard, Thanks!

[@randywollin5732]

I enjoyed your tips as always, you put things into easy to understand talk. It's like having a conversation with you one on one. Good info on capo use. Thanks.

[@timbornone]

I love your side comments. I mean it. It’s like you are having a conversation with us. I need to get into the habit of using a capo more often.

[@juliannadoyle7171]

How clarified is that thank you❤

[@antond8947]

Thanks Steve for clarifying this. I was always understanding that the capo makes the sounds higher, but was always wondering why people may do this instead of just playing "higher"! but your testcases placed everything there where it belongs to. As usual on your channel, right to the point!

[@SanjayDas-qf7ns]

Thanks for the information.

[@alan-ir3in]

Great lesson thanks. Its always been a bit of a mystery to me, its much clearer now . thanks

[@joelzdepski9884]

One of the best uses of a Capo is when 2 people are playing together. If for example the song is in the key of D (perhaps a progression based on D, G, A, Bm) the 2nd guitar can Capo 2 and play (C, F, G, Am) and the 3 major chords will have a higher note than the first guitar even though you both are playing open chord shapes. So it fattens out the sound. Watch any time Emmy Lou is playing with someone else - she is always capo'd and playing different shapes.

[@victoranchondo924]

Great video!

[@brianzelinsky-ri6nd]

Thank you Steve, you’re awesome!

[@theclephane2914]

GREAT VIDEO! Great Info! Thank you so much! I have wanted a really simple, easy explanation of a capo plus what the changes are as you go down the neck of the guitar. So it’s a half step for every move of the capo down a fret! Thank you so much.

[@andywalex]

I grew up using a capo as it never seemed like a big deal to me, I still know how to play barre chords, but one should use all tools at their disposal and like he said, the tonality of the chord changes. I've used many capos, but hands down my favorite is the D'addario Pro+ that I've had a little over a year.

[@William-zn3nt]

great post, thank you !

[@davidbrandt6925]

Great video Steve. Guitar Zoom is first rate. By the way, i play the viola and the guitar. 🎸 i tune down to 417 hz for my A and the other strings accordingly for the solfeggieo tuning. I think it sounds better and is supposed to match the natural vibrations of our bodies and nature.

[@vls3771]

Greeting from Australia...nice to see the lovely Australian Maton in your lap same as mine .

[@FlyingBuzzard]

Great info on a Capo

[@kennethm.380]

Nice presentation. I play the heck out of barre chords, and never use a capo, but I’m going to rethink this now. Thx man.

[@TheSarkyGamer]

You're explaining the process and functionality very well - you don't appear to be talking down to your audience, and I can tell how good a guitarist you are. A great video. I was going to call you up about your pronunciation of the word "capo", but apparently it's pronounced differently the world over. Spanish people say "kap po", English folks say "kah poh", etc. I would advise your audience however that the C chord you were playing is in fact a Cadd9 (one of my favourites) but otherwise an excellent video.

[@mikaelpedersen1327]

Another great video and lesson. Thank you!

[@LeRoyHuff-e6m]

“The essence of genius is to restate the obvious” That’s why this lesson is so great! One step further. Guitar players love our open chords, but they make us reside in “Sharpsville”. G=1# D=2# A=3# E=4# This puts us at constant odds with piano players who live in “Flatland”. They use the black keys as anchors and they gravitate toward flat keys. This is how the blind are able to play piano. To remedy this put a capo on the first fret. Now open chords are all flat keys. D becomes Eb,A becomes Bb, E becomes F, G becomes Ab. You get the picture.

[@redscunthorpe5501]

Maybe you could know the key and use proper changed chords.........

[@sobeit1927]

I think this is a great tip that I’ve never thought of ,thanks .

[@daletraylor8094]

Good info!!

[@johnthompson605]

Great lesson in the use of a capo.

[@lynnglidewell7367]

I keep my acoustic 12 String tuned down a whole step to D. This removes stress on the neck. When I need to be in standard tuning with other players I capo at second fret and I am. It's advisable to do this even if you have a good truss rod. You won't "belly " the front of your Guitar.

[@tstaab1]

There's an additional reason to do this. Even though my 12 string acoustic has good action, if I tuned it to standard then had to add a capo say on 3, the tuning would go unevenly sharp against the rest of the band. If I tuned down to D, put a capo on 2, played in tune for a song then added another capo on 5 for that +3 song, no tuning readjustments are needed. The capo on 2 is like a zero fret that fixes these problems.

[@josenoelzepeda4769]

Thanks brother 🎸

[@neilwheldon1998]

Good lad that was great so easy to understand

[@terrytucker2116]

This is good. Going to follow alone :)

[@7171jay]

Actually the proper pronunciation is cah-po but many people do say cay-po especially in the U.S. Another great use for the capo is to downtune the guitar to say E flat or D and use the capo on the first or second fret to get the guitar back to E. This makes the string tension less which makes the guitar easier to play and especially on a twelve string it is kinder to the guitar's top which is under a lot of stress with a twelve so the top is less likely to bow which can be a common issue on older instruments. Many twelve string players play in E flat or D standard for these reasons and while some simply deal with not being in E standard others will use the capo to make up for this but you can certainly take advantage of this with a six string as well. I really like the sound and feel of my old 60s Yamaha six string tunded in D standard and I worry less about it with the lighter string pull.

[@DR-pd4sv]

Capo has been abbreviated from a capodastro, capo tasto or capotasto meaning Nut of a stringed instrument in Italian!

[@roberto3262]

Catsup or Ketchup? Maybe in Springfield, it's cat soup.

[@7171jay]

​@@roberto3262 No cat soup... just the usual Trump lies intended to get people angry and riled up.

[@sobeit1927]

I like this tip . Thanks

[@7171jay]

​@@roberto3262 Cat soup is a lie. Take your lousy politics elsewhere.

[@AndyMangele]

I don't use a capo too often generally speaking - but I do when I want to achieve a certain sound on a recording!

[@themagnoliaofmontross7365]

Thank, great info!

[@habtamumulu7720]

thank you I am on this level to get both systems💙🙏

[@luvkountry]

Is that Maton expensive Steve? Sure sounds beautiful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge regarding the Capo.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I tune my 12 down a full step. Use a capo at 2nd fret and its in E. But to me anymore is different place for cowboy chords. Kind of interesting twist taking a D and hearing it in the E shape. Plus a/e 12 string playing along side a standard tuning lead. The fuller sonic coverage is definitely there

[@xkidmidnightx]

You also have the various open string licks that you can’t do with barre chords.

[@kennyg63]

I think you did a very good job explaining this. If I am correct the alternative would be transposing chord which may be too difficult to play due to different chord shapes. Am I correct?

[@syrsknight]

Someone spoke about bob seagars song night moves... I play it without the capo.. and it sounds just like the recording.. so it depends on the muscian i suppose.

[@officialWWM]

Those Matons are beautiful guitars!

[@ramonahallmusic]

Love the Maton ( Tommy guitar)

[@budgreene8142]

Simply refer to it as the G shape when using Capo like I do for bar chords too but yes, once moved, it's no longer G

[@Swoop180]

Great video as always, and just for a prime example of artists that use capos. Sarah McLachlan is quite an accomplished guitarist and she uses a capo on "Building A Mystery." On another note, (pardon the pun) I would love to know her alternative tuning on that song!

[@Mohammad-xb2qs]

I use capo to soften the string.......change tuning to D Standard.....and put capo to get that E......than ready for Blues solos

[@AnnaelleD]

I totally agree... and I use the capo for these 3 reasons 🙂

[@fourocker]

Cool Maton 808 ❤

[@ronriffle3388]

Thanks Steve, I feel really dumb. I've been using a capo for years and never thought of it like that before.

[@AndrewDay_Aston-Martin-DBS5126]

Here's the one of the most important uses of the capo for me: If you use an elasticated capo you can change key mid song without changing chord shapes. No other kind of capo can do this quickly enough but with an elasticated style you can change it up without anyone noticing.

[@dennismcleroy4389]

One of the more important reasons and one of the reasons I use a capo is to play along with another guitar and not double up on what they are playing.

[@GaryBook]

Love my capo, can’t play without one.

[@DrAgan_tortojed]

What wasn't mentioned is the ability to "raise" (to press) only some of the strings, for example, to put the capo to the second fret while pressing ("raising") only 6th, 5th, 4th and 3d, thus leaving the 1st and second as they are...

[@MichaelSalinas100]

When using a capo I notice that the tuning changes especially on electric guitars. I have bought a number of capos trying to find one where I do not have to retune the guitar when I apply a capo to no avail.. Do you have any suggestions on remedying this issue. I have my guitars intonation periodically checked and adjusted if needed. When I play live I set up and tune another guitar with a capo to save time when playing a song with a capo.

[@richardlecomte6839]

I tune my 12 string down to d standard and then capo the second fret for e standard. Takes tension off and you can always remove capo and use d standard for some things

[@jerialice]

Ring of Fire here on YT has Johnny capo on first fret….for the horn players

[@christianstorm8854]

I Remember you at 2:41 😂

[@bsharporbflat8378]

Simple answer: if you want to transpose a song and keep the same chord voicing when those chords are part of the flavor of the song. Simple example with an easy song like Take it easy by the eagles , if you transpose to A for example you can play the singing part easy but you can’t get the intro properly because ist absolutely needs the open G vibe, there you need to use a capo on the second fret to use your G shape as an A. For songs using lots of open open strings like Nothing else matters and you want to transpose it to let’s say F…can’t do it without a capo on 1st fret…or get the whole band to tune up half a step.

[@tommyclements6264]

Great

[@Kicks001]

OK, If I am reading a chord sheet / tabs, ect... and it says Capo on 2 and list the first chord as A. Do I play an A shape or do I play the G shape sine that now makes the A tone?

[@mandovapehater6988]

Try playing bluegrass without a capo. You'll be asked to leave the jam session id say. You can't get the "bluegrass" sound out of a guitar without a capo. Its not because the musician doesn't know what they're doing. There are plenty of bluegrass guitarists that know just as much as rock, blues or jazz pickers. It's all about achieving the bluegrass sound.

[@JeffMcCalib]

Yes. The open G shape is prevalent. We like it for picking.

[@shadowminister4090]

I have a popular brand capo that has a strong spring. I'm always a bit out of tune. (More so, on my acoustic, with its slightly higher action).

[@HansTyndale]

I noticed that same issue with an Ernie Ball capo that I have. If I remember correctly, to overcome that problem where the string went out of tune, push the string down behind the nut to put it back in correct tune. Otherwise, if you are going back to playing without a capo you have to retune the guitar again if you just tune it the normal way with the capo on it. I haven't tried that yet myself so keep an eye on your tuner if you do that. I wonder if there might be a way to slightly stretch the spring on the capo so it doesn't clamp down so tight?

[@shadowminister4090]

​@HansTyndale Thanks for the idea of pushing down on the string behind the nut. Mine is Ksyer and it's not possible to adjust the spring tension. I've doing a bit of reading and it was suggested, I retune, after putting on the capo (I guess so, but that could become annoying very quickly) or putting a couple of rubber bands around the capo handles, to pull back a bit on the spring's tension. I'll give them all a try. 😊

[@HansTyndale]

@@shadowminister4090 Hey that sounds like a good idea about the rubber bands to lessen the tension, thanks.

[@robertrraineyjr967]

@@shadowminister4090 Hi, I want to do you a solid and let you know that there are many other brands of capos that have an adjustment screw so you can control the pressure on your strings that a capo with only a spring cannot. When I first started using a capo, I noticed that it would always make my guitar go sharper than what was expected with the capo. By that, I mean that instead of raising the pitch just the one fret (just for the example, here), it was causing one or more strings to go sharper than they should and the chords I made then sounded awful with those few strings being sharper. Many years later, I discovered that most the problem wasn't so much the capo's fault as it was that my strings sitting in the nut slot grooves weren't low enough. There are KZbin videos available that show you how to adjust the nut slots, such as those by MusicNomad and Stew-Mac. You can't just file them down with any old file; you need specialized tools and the know-how to do so. I'm suggesting if you're having this particular problem that you take your guitar to a guitar tech who can measure your nut slots and then adjust them, so the nut slot depth isn't adding a confounding problem when you're using a capo. Check the internet so you can understand what I'm talking about for consensual validation. If your capo ISN'T making your resultant chords "wonky" like I'm describing, then no harm done. But if your nut slot is part of the problem, no capo made will work properly and you'll still have to retune your guitar after you put the capo on because one or more strings will be going sharp because of nut slots that are too high. After verifying that your nut slots are correctly adjusted, get yourself one of the capos with an adjusting screw. You only want the capo to hold each string down to its' fret so that the string doesn't buzz when you strum or pick it. If you tighten a spring past that point, you are over-tightening it and it will stretch the string(s) and make it that "wonky" I described. That's what over-tightening means, as an operational definition. In other words, you need to know "when to stop" when you're using a capo that has an adjustment spring. This isn't really a problem, having the ability to tighten or loosening the capo's grasp is a good thing. I repeat: a GOOD thing. "With great power, there comes great responsibility", I guess we could say. (Ouch! I sound like someone in a Power Rangers' story!) The Kyser capo has no spring. I've got one with a complementing color for each of my 9 guitars. But one day, I used a capo of a friend's, as I'd left mine at home. Then, I got a real education. I was able to control the spring with than screw on other capos and I quietly put away my pretty Kyser models in a shoebox when they have stayed since I started using capos with screw adjustments. Now, I won't ever go back. In review, have a guitar tech check the depth of your nut slots...on every guitar you own. Have him/her adjust them all, as needed. Then, get yourself a new capo with that adjustment screw. My personal favorite is the G7 Newport capo,. Presently, it is around $40, but D'Addario sells a similar "NS Artist" capo model for around $22. If you like the design of the Kyser, though, they have the NS Tri-Action for about the same price. There's a great variety of brands and models out there for sale on the internet, just get one with that adjustment screw, no matter which brand. You can spend a little, or you can spend a lot on a capo. But to start with, I'd try that Tri-Action D'Addario model, first and if you're feeling flush one day, get a designer-model with a special finish after you've settled on a style that works for you. Thalia is a high-end capo-maker, selling their models from around $70 to over $100. The G7 Heritiage capo is $219!. But the G7 Newport will get it done for that $40, remember. Just wanted to give you a little perspective on the prices to expect. The cheaper capos can be anywhere from around $7 to $30 with no adjustment screws. For a better capo, you're going to have to dig a bit deeper. Remember, now, if your nut slots are too high, you may think your out-of-tune-ness using a capo is the fault of the capo, only, but both high nut slots for your strings AND a capo without an adjustment screw are BOTH a problem that will yield the same symptom. Trust me on this: I'm 81, now, and have been playing since I was 14, when the moon was much larger than it is today! I'm just trying to pass the knowledge on to another generation and help you. P.S. If your nut slots are too high, it will also make fretting notes around the 1-3 fret range extra difficult and it will hurt your fingers. (That's another check for nut slot problems).

[@sobeit1927]

In my experience putting on a capo makes the tuning of all the strings slightly sharp . I find I need to adjust the tuning just a bit . A built in tuner really helps with this . Less squeeze on the strings by softening the capo might work , I’ll try this as well .

[@sobeit1927]

3 more reasons to use a capo . You can get a fun drop “E” tuning quickly and easily by placing the capo on the 2nd fret but only catching strings 1 to 5 . I also find that using a capo effectively lowers the action a little making some tunes a little easier to play particularly in finger style . It also creates an appealing brightness which can be inspiring and fun .

[@Steven-u5w]

A Capo is a very useful piece of kit to have in your gig bag or even 2 Capo I much prefer to use shrub Capo because you can move the rubber to leave some strings open. Very versatile indeed. I've used them from for years I would always recommend to any new guitarists All well established musician, session player etc shrub Capo God bless

[@terrytucker2116]

What is the maker of that capo? I would like to get one like that.

[@jeremyjamesmusic]

Steve, what’s the ‘extra nut’ in black on your headstock? I know what it’s for, but what is it and where do I find one?! Thanks!

[@roberto3262]

It's a string dampener.

[@nickeloisthomas6761]

If someone is playing a song g c d open chords can i play g c d barre chords ?

[@sobeit1927]

Certainly .

[@bigtoelittlefinger6133]

wow just clicked much love fae bonnie Scotland

[@rustyknott-W.D]

I use a capo because barre chords kill my arthritic wrist (too many ski falls on the ice). I can only play one or two songs in position before the pain takes over. The capo is my savior.

[@tonyaxeman4381]

Tom used a capo that explains a lot . Just like Bob Segars song night moves . A capo is used .

[@LOVE2Flute]

Outstanding! Thank you!

[@LemonFacebluesguitar]

It pains me when people bother folks about using a capo im glad you said that! Just like tom he put that cappo on and made free fallin JUST BECAUSE HE WANTED TOOOOO😅

[@FloydStone-d2s]

capo is your friend. When playing with other and there all playing same position, open chords and you want to add something different you would use capo placements to add flavors the music.

[@mindfornication4funn]

The "theory" is what k!!ls me..... !!

[@BigCarmine]

A capo is a tool in a guitar players tool box....a great tool....use it to its fullest!

[@gypsybilly3481]

Don't have to put capo right against the fret. Can move it back to give your left hand more room.

[@bimaldhorda9611]

That smile when you said "it's not like Tom Petty couldn't play guitar"

[@StarshipTrooper2050]

I like to Capo the top five strings at the second fret leaving the low E open…..this gives the effect of dropping the low E to D……

[@sobeit1927]

It puts you into “drop E” tuning .

[@kennetheastman5703]

Real challenge when guitarist's put their capo in different paces. Changing keys on us and they never realize they're in the wrong key.

[@ChrisMacdonald-z8x]

Partial capos are even cooler

[@AndyHess-jy6vx]

Not to mention the body of original music where the artist used a capo for the recording.

[@jasonmudgarde286]

I'll bet there's also good reasons not to use it. One being shutting out lots of notes that could have been used? Fair enough for playing in a certain key but certainly would try to learn songs without one.

[@sobeit1927]

Some tunes need one . Learn how and when to use one .

[@petersheely7246]

👍😎

[@WillyPercival-m1d]

Why does the electric guitar goes slightly out of tune when putting a capo on

[@jamesswanson4303]

Intonation changes. No guitars intonate perfect.

[@sobeit1927]

Using the capo increases string tension slightly making the strings a little sharp . It’s annoying but a tiny bit of retuning rectifies this . If you are playing alone it often doesn’t matter .