Learn and Master Guitar - Utilizing a Capo

Learn and Master Guitar - Utilizing a Capo



It's become fashionable to try out music with one specific tuning then either (a) use another guitar having a different tuning or (b) re tune your guitar to play the subsequent song. Knowing how to use the capo properly you may not need to make use of that. It is possible to try out all of your songs using standard tuning.

chords capo and transitioning guitar lessons

Why don't more guitarist use a capo preventing fiddling around with various tunings? All things considered you never head into a music store and order a piano in drop "D" would you?

The truth of the matter is, most guitarists / teachers have no idea of the numerous uses of a capo. Indeed, a large number of guitar teachers frown upon utilizing a capo and check out it as being a means of "cheating" - a "shortcut" way of playing without learning the guitar "properly".

After over three decades of playing guitar, recording, arranging and producing ... nothing could be more mistaken!

I must tell you that these comments about "cheating" are mostly born of ignorance.

All professional studio guitarists comprehend the significance of knowing how to utilize a capo (many guitar sounds we hear on a daily basis on the radio make use of a capo). A great working knowledge of the capo will allow you to play most songs WITHOUT having to alter the tuning of the guitar.

Now, what are the advantages of choosing a capo ...How to play the guitar using a capo

Understanding the notes of your Chromatic scale is paramount to learning how to utilize a capo.

The chromatic scale can be a scale whereby you begin on any note and simply play twelve consecutive notes in a linear fashion on one string unless you reach the note of the same letter name you began on.

Here's an "E" chromatic scale, you might apply this scale to either the very first or sixth string from the guitar.

E chromatic scale: E, F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E

Now a "G" chromatic scale: G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G

(a) Notice how both scales contain the identical notes simply beginning with an alternative note.

(b) Remember there's no sharp or flat between your notes E & F or B & C.

Applying the concept of the chromatic scale for the capo.

Step 1: select any chord shape you want ... I'll use "D" major for our example

Step two: using our chromatic scale pick a chord you don't know or have difficulty playing ... let's say "F" major.

Step:3 while using chromatic scale count up the distance in the chord you want (D major) for the chord you would like to play (F major), the distance is three.

D, D#/Eb, E, F.

D to D# or Eb is but one.

Remember, there's two possible names for the one note D# may also be named Eb.

D#/Eb to E is two.

E to F is three.

Which means that when we put our capo on the third fret (the length between D and F) and literally "D" chord we might be automatically playing the chord of "F" using the identical finger formation both for chords.

Of course it isn't practical to maneuver your capo throughout the guitar while you are playing music, I'm simply applying this as an example of the best way to change any nasty chord shape you might be having difficulty playing into a chord shape you like.

More examples:

G chord shape with all the capo about the 3rd fret produces a Bb chord.

D chord shape using the capo about the 1st fret generates a Eb chord

E chord shape with the capo on the 2nd fret generates a F# chord

G chord shape with all the capo about the 4th fret generates a B chord

G chord shape with the capo on the 1st fret generates a Ab chord

Try exercising the your favorite chord shape(s) whenever you put the capo on a particular fret ... it's going to improve you knowledge of your guitar fretboard and so will as give your music theory exercising.