The Guitar Capo - Tips For Beginners
The guitar
capo is a very useful device. The guitar capo is used as a "barre" on
the fretboard and allows the player to play in various keys using the same
chord forms. This can be especially useful for beginner guitarists. A guitarist
who is learning to play would use the capo in the following manner.
Let's use
the key of G as an example. As you know, the three basic chords in the key of G
are:
● G
● C
● D7
When
playing in the first position in the key of G, the three chords are open chords
and are formed within the first three frets of the fretboard. Many new
guitarists begin by learning the three chords in the key of G. Playing these
three simple chords will allow you to compose songs in the key of G major.
The guitar
capo allows you to play in different keys without learning additional chords.
The following instructions will allow you to play in a different key using a
capo: Begin by placing the capo across all of the strings at the second fret.
When using the capo, be sure to secure it squarely on the neck. It is important
that the placement of the capo does not pull the strings to either side toward
the edge of the fretboard. Misalignment of the capo will affect the tuning of
the guitar and cause it to be out of tune at the fret location. The capo should
press the stings just behind the fret in order to get a clean sound on each
string. Be sure the capo is tight enough to get a clear tone from each string
when the string is plucked. Do not over-tighten the capo.
When
playing the three chord forms for the key of G ( G - C - D7 ) using the capo at
the second fret, you will be playing in the key of A major. The same chord
forms you learned for playing in the key of G will now be the following chords:
● A
● D
● E7
As you can
see, placing the guitar capo on the neck at the second fret has changed the key
from G Major to A Major. The chord forms have NOT changed. You will still be
using the chord formations learned for playing in the key of G. This is the
advantage of using a capo. The guitar player can learn three chord formations
and play in various keys by simply moving the capo to various positions on the
neck. Let's look at the example of the key of G and list the respective keys
from the first to the seventh fret:
We will be
using the following OPEN chords: G - C - D7. As we know, without the capo we
are in the key of G Major. Here are the respective key changes as you move up
the neck:
● Capo
Placement: 1st Fret - Key of G# (Ab)
● Capo
Placement: 2nd Fret - Key of A
● Capo
Placement: 3rd Fret - Key of A# (Bb)
● Capo
Placement: 4th Fret - Key of B
● Capo
Placement: 5th Fret - Key of C
● Capo
Placement: 6th Fret - Key of C# (Db)
● Capo
Placement: 7th Fret - Key of D
It is easy to understand why a capo is very
useful for the beginner guitarist. This handy device will assist a new player
in playing different keys with just a few chords. There is one thing to keep in
mind concerning the capo. DO NOT become reliant on this device. The capo is a
great tool but it can become a crutch. Always remember there is no substitution
for hard work and dedication when learning the guitar.
Take the
time and put forth the effort required to learn to play in the various keys of
music WITHOUT the capo. This is the only way to be an effective guitar player.
As you learn to play without the capo, you will realize the benefit of using
the device in certain situations.
An example
of using the capo to enhance a song would be when playing with other musicians.
If there were two acoustic guitars in the group, one player could
"capo-up" and play the rhythm along with the first guitar to produce
a very colorful sound in the song. There are other beneficial uses for the
capo, especially when using open tunings and a slide. Let your
imagination run wild and be inventive.
The guitar
capo can be your friend. Keep in mind that over-use can have a negative effect
on your progress as a guitarist
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