capo ?

Msattitude1185

I am learning the guitar and found a few songs but it says to capo, I ws just wondering if i really need it since i'm just starting out. I know it might not sound the same.

feylya

It depends on the songs really. If the capo is just to change the tuning (E to F or whatever), then you could just playing it in E. If it's something else (like the stuff Muse uses one for), then it's essential.

icon

Msattitude1185 wrote:

I am learning the guitar and found a few songs but it says to capo, I ws just wondering if i really need it since i'm just starting out. I know it might not sound the same.

You can transpose chords and riff to other fretboard positions but 'it might not sound the same' and might be more difficult to play.

I highly recommend Schubb capos, they are the thinking man's capo.

http://www.thomann.de/ie/shubb_c1.htm

Eoin Madsen

I'll second the Shubb, they seem to be the best of a bad lot. Anyway, if you're using a capo try and remember that it's supposed to hold the strings down to the fret, not the fingerboard. If you overtighten, it'll just put everything out of tune.

Paladin

Ill third the schubb, but I never use a capo any more. Id rather transpose than use a capo.
The only time I could justify using a capo is for things that require some kind of picking of open chords that must remain ringing so barring a chord doesnt cut it.
In this situation I will either alter the song (key or pattern) or abandon it. I just cant be bothered with a capo.

If you are a beginner and your attitude is like mine then you dont absolutely need a capo, but it can make life easier.

TelePaul

If you're starting out, and are serious about the guitar, dont use a capo too much. You're better off understanding the theory behind barre, octave and inverted chords. A capo is a handy tool, and shubbs are great capos, but just make sure you know why you're doing it. A friend of mine likes capoing things at the 5th fret just because things sound more 'jangly'...not really what they're designed for! I think for recording though they can be useful for open, strummy sections where barre chords aren't fluid enough.

Don1

I'm all for capo's. Haven't had mine out for a while. Just look at John Squire, legend of a guitarist, and on his best album (The Stone Roses) he uses one on all but one (maybe two) song. One of my fave albums ever and one of the first albums I tried to learn stuff off. Top notch guitar sound. I recommend it to broaden your palate in terms of song writing too. Very easy to get stuck. Messing with tuning and sticking on a capo can be inspirational imo.
Of course learing how to mess around with chord and keys is important as the guys mentioned. I can't do it purely out of laziness.:o