Here is a short guide for those who have, or are considering buying a capo (capodastro), or perhaps already have one lying around at home. Whether you play a C-tuned or D-tuned ukulele, guitar, guitalele or another similar instrument, a capo has a lot to offer.
What Is a Capo – More Than Just Cheating?
The capo is a versatile and practical tool for musicians. In some circles, the use of a capo is scorned and ridiculed, as if it were cheating or only for those who cannot play properly. Yes, a capo can be a great help for beginners who have just learned the basic chords. But a capo is so much more than that.
Easily Change Tuning
One of the most straightforward uses is to instantly change the tuning of your instrument. For example, you can turn a C-tuned ukulele into a D-tuned one by placing the capo on the second fret. Voilà, you have another tuning available! This can be especially useful if you lend your instrument to someone who is used to a different tuning, or if you are using sheet music written for a specific tuning. It is becoming increasingly common for musicians in the Nordics, especially with the ukulele, to switch between different tunings.
Master Difficult Keys and Chords
There are certain keys and chords that can be less comfortable to play than others, both on guitar and ukulele. A capo can solve this. For example, if you are going to play in D# major, which can be a bit challenging for many instruments, you can place the capo on the first fret. Now your D major chord sounds like a D# major. This method works effectively when you, for example, play guitar or a D-tuned ukulele.
The same method works excellently if you are playing a riff, "playing around with chords" or a melody line. It can often be difficult or impossible to play exactly the same thing in a different key without drastically changing the fingerings. With a capo, you can play the riff with the same fingerings, but in all possible keys simply by moving the capo.
Easily Transpose Songs
Imagine you are playing a song, but the melody is too low for it to be comfortable to sing. Many might lack the interest or knowledge of how to transpose songs. The solution is simple: Play the song with the same chords, but with the capo on the first fret. Do you need to raise the pitch further? Just move the capo up as many frets as needed. It's a quick and easy way to adapt the song to your voice.
Experiment with Tones and Soundscapes
A capo is also a great tool for exploring new sounds. My tip is to experiment. Do you have a collection of chords or a phrase you like to play? Place the capo on the first fret, or further up the instrument neck. Often, you may find that your familiar chords and phrases get new life and a different, exciting sound in this way.
When two or more of you are playing together, for example a song in A major, a capo can contribute to a richer soundscape. If one uses a capo, for example on the second fret, you spread out the tones and sound nicely. The one using the capo must then play the chords that correspond to G major for it to be correct. This requires either separate sheet music or one of you transposing in your head, but the result can be very beautiful.
Things to Consider When Using a Capo
- Different Capos: There are many different capos on the market that vary in material, color, which instruments they fit, and prices. If you have several instruments, you will almost certainly need more than one capo, as a capo for guitar may not fit perfectly on a ukulele.
- Instrument Quality: Different instruments handle capos differently. On some instruments, one or more strings may sound out of tune when the capo is on, no matter where you place it. This may be due to how well the instrument is built.
- String Condition and Capo Fit: The condition of the strings, whether the capo is correctly placed, and whether it is adapted for the instrument you are using, also affects the result.
- Tune the Instrument Afterwards: Make it a habit to tune your instrument after the capo is in place. This is the safest way to ensure everything sounds pure. A tuner is an indispensable ukulele accessory when using a capo.
The capo is a small but powerful ukulele accessory (and guitar accessory!) that can open up new musical possibilities, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.
Want to try? Find your new capo in our online store!
