How and Why to Use a Capo on Guitar in Your Practice

ClassicalGuitarShed.com/capo Discover several uses for a guitar capo, for performance, practice, and just for fun.
For even more on the subject, go to www.ClassicalGuitarShed.com/capo
Classical Guitar Shed is an exploration of music, skill, and daily endeavor on the classical guitar. Find articles, courses, tutorials and more at www.ClassicalGuitarShed.com.
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You’ll find some of the deepest-diving explorations of classical guitar and Spanish guitar pieces anywhere online, with step-by-step instructions on how to play guitar beautifully so that the music sings and connects with listeners (any yourself) on an emotional level. Music is not entirely subjective. Some ways of doing things are more effective than others. If you learn these basic “rules”, you’ll automatically play with more grace, beauty, and feeling.
At CGS, you’ll also discover archives of comprehensive articles about many of the issues, details, habits, and best practices surrounding playing guitar. You’ll find tips and tricks on how to be more effective at practicing. You’ll find articles on subjects as varied as getting great classical guitar tone, how to avoid pain and injury playing guitar, and the differences between practice and exercise. If you ever need a break from your practice and want to enrich your understanding of all that is classical guitar, browsing the Classical Guitar Shed archives are great place to explore.
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[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

To learn more about using a capo, click the link: www.classicalguitarshed.com/capo/

[@janten6554]

Thank you Master!!! It was insightful !!! ❤❤❤❤

[@cefarther3945]

I just wondered what those were. I love you, Allen. Thanks for teaching us all this information about classical guitars. (subscriber)

[@peterlaws1653]

who said the dots aren't a valuable tool 😊excellent work on every level

[@jenjamstudio1410]

You explain so well. Thank you!

[@harishreddy4034]

Your videos are super informative. Quick, to the point and cover everything on that topic. Hope your views increase. I don't know why I didn't discover your channel sooner. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@natashaa2269]

This was so informative, thank you!!

[@snowin84]

Thanks for this explanation!

[@bhawnakatyal4150]

Nice information with reasons👍🏻Thanks a lot

[@bastienleminh1286]

Thx you for explanation

[@ernsts.7913]

Hi Allan, I miss one reason for using a capo here: if you play a renaissance piece, especially after tuning the g-string to f#, you could put a capo on the second or third fret to resemble the sound of the lute more closely, the instrument for which most of these pieces were written. Thank you for your educational videos.

[@jgrossma]

I can think of two other uses for a capo, one of which you alluded to. Lute in particular has a shorter scale length than guitar, so its not uncommon for lute pieces to be played on guitar with a capo in third position both to make the TONE more like a lute but also to make the long finger-stretches easier. Other possible possible use for a capo is to reduce the tension of strings on your instrument. Lets say (for whatever reason) you've only got extra-high tension strings available. OR, your instrument has a longer than normal scale length. Or your instrument is of questionable strength (its an antique guitar, etc). To reduce strain on the instrument (and maybe your fingers) you can tune all the strings down a half step, then bring them all back up to concert pitch with a capo.

[@paullehmor982]

Good lesson Allen! I learn something new each time I watch your videos. I have been experimenting with capos for some time and would like to share som speculative thoughts. On most guitars, the intonation is far from perfect when playing at the lower frets. Pressing down the strings near the nut increases the string tension more than at the middle of the string (the "washline effect"). Tuning down the strings a half step and clamping a capo on the first fret would, at least theoretically, reduce this problem. I have learned that Brian May uses a zeroth fret and a nut that just guides the strings sideways, without lifting them, in one of his guitars. In both cases, this means lower string action which, of course, is not always desirable as it increases the risk of fret buzz. Each half step of down tuning reduces the string tension by approximately 12% (due to Mersennes´s law). In combination with a capo, it means both shorter fret spacing and less tension, which is good for beginners with weak fingers (like me, haha :-). But maybe intonation problems is a smaller issue on nylons than on steels?

[@pravinmore434]

I liked playing using a capo. Especially because it makes playing chords simpler especially the bar chords. Can i reduce the action without the capo. ( Note, i have already repaired my action, but still it cant reach the capo's closeness.)

[@rebekkabarska4597]

👍nice

[@cadecooldude199]

Yo help me my capo won’t fit in my Classical Guitar what are you using?

[@guitarnguyen]

Could you recommend a good brand of capo for a classical guitar please? Thanks.

[@paulanderson388]

New to guitar here, and I have a few questions. Are there different width capos depending on the width of the fret board or are they all standard? Does the same capo work for steel and nylon strings? and how curved does the fret board need to be before you use a curved capo? I really enjoyed your explanation of the use of the capo in this presentation.

[@maxvoloshin_nefariousaquarius]

There are several different widths when it comes to capos. There are also different fretboard radii. Classical guitars are generally flat, with no radius. I prefer Shubb capos because it allows you to adjust the tension to maximize tuning stability.

[@leomartinez4859]

I have kind of a stupid question, but I just dropped a ton of money on a classical nylon guitar. I already play steel, and I’m super accustomed to the capo, but do you advise putting a capo on the classical guitar? I’ve heard it higher the tension and since the classical guitars often don’t have the steel rod in the neck It can cause the neck to bend upwards, or towards the bridge. I’d greatly appreciate it if you responded, it’s getting really tempting to put the capo on the classical guitar. Thanks!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Hello Leo, If you prefer, you can email Allen directly at [e-mail] and he can help answer your question.

[@yourrnamee1280]

sooo, it goes where on the fret optimally?

[@jeffsweeney312]

Won't a capo change the action of the guitar making it easier to finger but more prone to buzzing?

[@jgrossma]

Capo does the exact same thing as a barre (with your index finger). If your guitar is set up correctly a capo should NOT cause buzzing. Note that if your guitar is REALLY set up optimally, there should be minimal space between the first fret and the strings, and a capo won't lower the action very much. But rarely, in my experience, are classical guitars set up like this out of the box.

[@jgrossma]

Flamenco players often use a capo ("cejilla") purely to lower the action to make it easier on the left hand. I'll add here that many flamencos don't mind a little "buzz"; in fact they LIKE it. Its sort of like an analog guitar distortion, and its a characteristic part of many players sound.

[@pravinmore434]

@@jgrossma i have somewherr read these exact words😁

[@angelgirl6431]

I am just beginner I want to ask a question without capo playing will be hard or not 😕

[@pumpkinpie13132]

I find it a lot easier playing with a capo. I recommend.

[@cadecooldude199]

There is no difference, it is exactly the same

[@pravinmore434]

It is easier using a capo. Just try seeing your strings with and without a capo. When you dont apply a capo, you will see a good gap between the strings and the fretboard. Obviously when you apply the capo the strings now sit very low and close to the fretboard. Now you will feel very very comfortable to play. It will take less efforts to play and you can focus more on experiementing and improvising with your left hand. Try it and you will feel the difference and the fun of playing. Do cheat. But dont always and only cheat😂

[@Random-Topics]

Ha! Watched the video after loosing mine.

[@gypsydavy708]

I think the guitar is easier to play with a capo. First position F, for example.