Using a Capo
by Phil Leadbetter

There has been lots of discussion about using a capo when playing the resonator guitar. Most of the discussion is about "how much is too much"? First of all, every player is different. Every situation is different as well. For those who might be new to the resonator guitar, I'll discuss what a capo is and what it does.

A capo is a device used on the guitar in order to play in different keys. Players will learn riffs in a certain key (usually "G" on the resonator guitar) but may be required to play them in a different key to suit a singer's vocal range or vocal projection. Let's say you learn a song in the key of "G". If a vocalist decides to perform that song in the key of "A", you can apply the capo at the 2nd fret ("A") and play the tune exactly as you would in the key of "G". This is very helpful when the solo involves open strings that would be difficult to replicate without a capo.

There are many different resonator capos on the market. Most are made of metal. Since there is no fret contact between the strings and frets of a resonator guitar, the capo actually "clamps" the strings at a given position. The photo below shows the capo I use, a Scheerhorn Fluxcapo. These can be purchased for around $50.00 and will last a lifetime in most cases. The only thing that wears out is the surgical tubing from constant string contact, but that is easily replaced.

The capo is applied directly above the fret in order to retain correct relative tuning. The front edge of the capo which makes contact with the strings should be right on top of the desired fret location, with the surgical tubing side uppermost. In the photo below, you will see the correct placement of the capo:

If the position of the capo is incorrect, then the guitar and your playing will be out of tune. There is a depth perception issue involved since you are actually looking down at the guitar neck at an angle. At first when positioning the capo, it's best to look straight down to check the alignment above the fret. To gain the correct perspective, momentarily pull the guitar toward the right (if you are right-handed) and position your head directly above the capo and desired fret location. The capo should be positioned immediately above and aligned straight across or exactly parallel to the fret. If it is crooked, the instrument will play out of tune. The photo below shows an incorrectly placed capo:

Most capos have a tension screw that must be adjusted based on the diameter or gauge of your strings. More than likely, you will only need to set this screw once. Having applied a capo with a tension screw, adjust the screw until the "string buzzing" stops. Thereafter, the tension screw shouldn't have to be reset each time you use the capo. Too much tension will make the guitar play out of tune. Not all capos will have tension screws; some have pre-set cams, clamps or even elastic components. I have always preferred the Scheerhorn Fluxcapo because it is easy to use, and is generally a one-hand operation. I have probably 50+ capos, but this is the one I always come back to.

USING THE CAPO

As I said earlier, there's lots of talk about when and when not to use a capo on the resonator guitar. I tend to use the capo more on up-tempo tunes where I have to play riffs or scales at a faster pace. Lot's of fiddle tunes, for example, are easier to play using a capo. The secret here is moderation. I find myself using my capo less frequently these days compared to when I first started using one. Getting "too dependent" on a capo also makes you lose intuitive knowledge of the fretboard and prevents you from learning all the great licks and riffs that can be found in the open "G" position. I rarely practice with the capo. Instead, I try to use my time to learn more scales, etc. out of the "G" position. Also, I never capo above the 4th (or "B") fret as the guitar gets to sounding too strange and unpleasant when you apply the capo any higher than that.

READING TABLATURE USING A CAPO

Tablature or "tab" is read the exact same way with a capo in place as it would be in the open "G" position without the capo. In tab, the open "G" is shown as "0" (see tab below for example):

When you apply a capo, it actually takes the place of the guitar nut, and the tab is read from the point of the capo placement (see tab example below). In this photo, the guitar is capoed at the 2nd fret (which will sound in the key of A). In this position, the tab denotes the capo as the "0" position, the same as the example above but remember, the capo now represents the guitar nut:

The best advice I can offer on using a capo is to practice with it. Learn to apply and remove it quickly and easily. Learn how to adjust it to get the best sound from your guitar. Most importantly, use your ear to decide when it works in a song, and when it does not. Don't let it become a crutch. If you become too dependant on it, you will miss out on a lot of great and useful licks that you would encounter when playing without the capo in place.

Find out more about resonator capos and the different brands at www.beardguitars.com or www.fqms.com.

See you next month!

Phil Leadbetter

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