How to Use a Capo
When to Use a Capo
The capo is a tool used to change the pitch of an open guitar chord, and eliminate the need to transpose the key of a song. Using a capo allows guitarists to play chords higher or lower to accommodate the range or style of a specific vocalist.c It also is used when playing in a group of guitarists to create a more interesting sound combination.c Proper capo placement is important to create a quality sound.c
Using a Kaiser Capo
The Kaiser type of capo clamps the strings of your guitar with the aid of a spring. Thanks to the spring, you can move the capo around with just one hand. Gripping it on its switch side opens the clamp, and releasing your grip automatically closes the clamp. Clamp the capo across a fret of your guitar to change the pitch.
Trani maintains that the Kaiser is perfect for live shows. Since it can change the tuning of guitar strings, it is not a very good clamp to use for the electric guitar, which has more delicate strings.c
Using a G7th Capo
The G7th type of capo is a bit higher-end than the Kaiser, and does not use a spring. You will need to use two hands to apply and remove it. To open it, you have to release its lock. Since it has no spring to lock strings, the G7th is gentler on them and less likely to alter their tuning than a Kaiser capo. That is why they are the preferred choice of electric guitarists. The G7th is not as practical for live shows as the Kaiser, but it provides more stability.c
References
Meet Our Experts
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Jen Trani
Meet Jen, one of Mahalo's guitar experts. Born and raised in Denver, Jen Trani has been playing guitar in all styles since the age of 13. Having earned her bachelor's degree in music performance from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, Trani teaches guitar and plays lead with several bands. She also appeared in the Shirelles-inspired '60s musical ''Baby It's You,'' ''The Price Is Right,'' and is the composer for an online series of video shorts.
Experts Cited in this Article
Jody Worrell is a studio musician and guitar teacher with over 40 years experience. Worrell has a reputation for sharing the fundamentals for multiple music genres, including blues, jazz, country, and rock, in a clear and well-defined manner.c
Tips for Using a Capo
- Use a capo to play open position chords anywhere on the neck
- Use a Kaiser capo on acoustics with tougher strings
- Use a G7th capo on electric guitars with delicate strings
About Guitar Capos
Both professional and amateur guitar players often use open position chords, and utilizing a guitar capo provides a shortcut to forming them.c A capo allows musicians to transpose their songs to any key without having to adjust the positions of their fingers or do the arithmetic necessary to move all the chords. It shifts the key uniformly for all strings, so you can keep using the same chord fingering while achieving different sounds.
