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Why refuse a capo?

It seems that some guitarists think that using a capo is in some way cheating and therefore refuse to use one. I don't understand this as in my opinion many songs sound better when payed with capo chords rather than playing the "real" equivalent of those chords.

Does anyone else have any experience of this?

Tags: capo, capo chords, capo worship, cheating, worship

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Permalink Reply by Kev Plant on March 24, 2013 at 7:52pm
I am usually quite happy to transpose and play barre but will use a capo too, especially as some of our leaders play the same song for 20 mins, that can be hard on the hands.

Kev
Permalink Reply by Toni on March 25, 2013 at 1:13pm

And how does a capo-dependent player cope with a key change mid song (apart from stopping to move the capo)?

Permalink Reply by Stevo on March 25, 2013 at 6:20pm

Doh! That's a tough one.

I usually play barre chords and triads at that point. And that ability has to come from knowing the capo-less position for the new key. So am I truly capo dependent?

Permalink Reply by Phil Williams on March 22, 2013 at 7:35pm

Hey Wulf,

Thanks for your thoughts on this topic! I think the way I see it is that there are two reasons for using a capo. Firstly, almost as a crutch, like you mentioned, as it can really help simplify things and allow you to play most songs with limited knowledge of chords. The second reason though is that it sometimes just sounds better than playing barre chords (IMO)! You can get some really great tones through using a capo that I can't seem to mimic by using barre chords.

Just my thoughts!

Phil

Permalink Reply by Dennis C. Maratas on March 22, 2013 at 2:52pm

I completely agree, Phil.  Though, I do have to admit, there was a time when I thought using a capo was like a cheap shot in the area of creativity.  But then when I decided to try using the capo I discovered it's just a legit convenience.  Well, maybe to a critical fellow musician it may be a petty thing.  But in the spiritual, does it matter, really?  As a worship leader I am discovering that it's not the details of the skill that glorifies God...it's the detalis the heart that really matters.  Our audience is God.  Our service is to usher His word in music in hearts.  My conviction is that I don't minister to the taste of other musicians. But to remain faithful as a servant and usher the word of God in music to needy and hungry souls.

 

Permalink Reply by Dennis C. Maratas on March 22, 2013 at 3:35pm

I replied earlier.  But I should add that I try to avoid using a capo on the electric guitar.  Acoustics, sure, why not? But on the electric I just thought it was never needed since the strings on the electric would be smoother and pliable enough to make the chord transitions.  Also, I discovered that it can affect the resonance of the sound off the strum on the electric.   And I always thought capo usage was intended for acoustics anyways.

Permalink Reply by Vic Salt on March 26, 2013 at 8:47am

Never used a Capo as it really confused me.   Also there a a number of the bands songs (like "Caleb", "Black Clouds") were I play at most positions on the neck.   However,  never say never,   I have just bought a capo as  I have started performing my own songs at Open Mic nights and people have asked me to join them in such covers as "I won't back down" (Tom Petty) and they play it in F#m.   It's far easier to sing and play with the capo.

Permalink Reply by Stevo on March 26, 2013 at 11:58am

Which one did you get?

Permalink Reply by Vic Salt on March 27, 2013 at 8:55am

a Jim Dunlop Trigger Capo  it clips to the head of the guitar when not in use for quick access to it.

Permalink Reply by Stevo on March 27, 2013 at 3:45pm

I've been tempted to try one. They look well made and have low visibility.

I got a Planet Waves because it allows tension adjustment but still clips on:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/planet-waves-dual-action...

Permalink Reply by Toni on March 28, 2013 at 12:49pm

The G7th isn't bad either.

Permalink Reply by Terry McCoy on March 30, 2013 at 4:55am

If I thought it was something that was distracting the audience, then this would be an issue. So...with that said, play how you like. To each player - his/her own style. Just sing the melody and lyrics right ha

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