Using Guitar Capos

In most of my Beginner guitar classes, we stick to using easy Keys like the Key of G.  Our first three chords are in the Key of G--  G, C and D-- and most of our songs are in the key of G also.  But it is important at some point to learn some flexibility and versatility in being able to play in multiple keys.  On guitar, there are basically TWO WAYS to do that.

First, you can learn How-To-Play in all of the different keys.  There are about 15 of them. For each of the keys, there are at least 3-5 chords to learn.  Many of these overlap other keys, so you may already know some of the chords.  But then there will be some Keys which will throw you a curve with a difficult chord or two, and it will put a kink in your learning curve.  Now-- I'm NOT putting down learning everything that you possibly can.  Eventually, this may lead you to learn Barre chords and fancy jazz chords, and who-knows what else?  But there is a nice short-cut or easy way out, and that is by using capos.

What Is a Capo?

A capo is a small device that fits onto the guitar and helps you to "cheat" on playing in various keys.  It has a spring mechanism, and a long, flat edge that clamps down onto the guitar fretboard, so that it raises the tone of the strings, and also allows you to also raise the Key in which you are playing.  

If you have not used a capo before, or don't understand how it works or what it really does, a little light bulb will go off in your head when it does dawn on you.  It's quite remarkable.  There are hundreds, or even thousands, of guitar chords.  A guitar capo allows you to play in 15 different keys, so that you can multiply by 15 the number of chords that you can play.

Parts of the Capo 

   

You may have to work on getting your capo on the guitar.  At first, it may be awkward and even difficult.  But as it usually is with most things, if you relax, and don't try to make it harder than it is, it will soon become easier for you.

Parts of a Kyser Capo

There are usually three edges or sides to a capo.  

• There is (1) the GRIP part, usually on Top, where you place your four fingers.  
• There is (2) the part that contains the SPRING or mechanism.  You grab this with your thumb,  and squeeze.  This opens up the capo, allowing you to 
• Place (3) the long, flat edge that is used to CLAMP across the top of your guitar fretboard.  

Each capo may be different and therefore have some variations in the way they are placed and used.

Placing the Capo Properly on the Guitar

You don't want to force it on.

• You want to make sure you are squeezing tight enough so that it will open wide, and fit easily onto the neck.  
• As you position the capo, be sure that it is evenly parallel to your fret. 

• Place it slightly BEHIND the fret, not on it.

• Once it is over all of your strings, you should gently let go, slowly letting the capo clamp down securely onto the guitar fretboard.  

How Do I Use a Capo?

Remember learning the Musical Alphabet, and how there are half-steps and whole steps.  You just have to be able to count up or down the Musical Alphabet and adjust your capo accordingly.

Let's say that you have learned the chords (G-C-D) in the Key of G.  However, your friend would like you to accompany her on guitar in a different key, say the key of Bb (B flat).  You know that G to A is a whole step (2 frets).  A to Bb is a half step (1 fret).  You add the two together, and put your capo on the 3rd fret, play the original chords... G, C, D... but you are actually playing in the key of Bb !

This only works well on the first three or four frets, after that the sound and lack of ease of playing deter from its use.  There is no way to "capo down".  You have to pick a key you know, and "capo up" from that to a HIGHER key.  But if you know two or three keys, you can always utilize one of them to get to the key that you desire to play.

Hope this tutorial on the use of a guitar capo will help you in your playing!