There are tons of useful accessories for guitarists. For example, a capo is a device that changes the tone of a guitar. It will be useful for those who want to sing to the accompaniment of the instrument. Often, carefully selected chords do not fit your voice. The melody is recognizable, but it sounds very high or, conversely, low, in this case it is the use of a capo that can save the situation. Let's figure out what kind of device it is.
Why is capo used?
A capo is a device that allows novice musicians
to change the tune of a melody without changing chords or reconfiguring the instrument, and professionals use it to search for a new sound. Often, with established capo, novice composers try in practice previously unused game techniques. Sometimes during such experiments they get an unusual sound, which they then use during performances.
Chords with a capo sound different than on open strings. However, you need to take them in the same way as with a simple game. Depending on your needs, you can place the capo in one of the modes until the ninth. The countdown must be conducted from the head of the neck. Remember that you must have enough space for the game. All frets ranging from the capo to the head of the fretboard are not used during the game. By its principle of action, a capo is an offset zero sill.
How to use the device?
It would seem that everything to use this guitar accessory is quite simple - just fix it on the fretboard and continue playing the selected melody, but there are a few points to consider. First of all, you can’t place the accessory directly on the doorstep - in this case it will press the strings and the guitar will not sound.
It would be more correct to place a capo for the classical guitar directly behind the door. This will allow you to avoid the second common mistake - installing an accessory between frets, which leads to rattling strings. It is also important to choose the right capo, as they vary in design and compression force. Some are designed for electric guitars, while others are designed specifically for acoustics.
Economical accessories
Most often, musicians try to save on this device. They buy inexpensive capo, which is an elastic band and clasp. Such models have only one advantage - a low price (the cost of an accessory rarely exceeds 200 rubles). But the disadvantages of such models are mass: low abrasion resistance, does not hold
metal strings, fuzzy sound. Tape accessories become unusable very quickly and require replacement.
If you don’t have the opportunity to immediately buy a quality capo - this is not a big deal. For rehearsals, you can make the device yourself. To do this, you will need a rubber band and a simple pencil. With a pencil (best hexagon), press the strings on the necessary fret, and secure it with an elastic band so that it does not move from this place.
Features of choosing a capo
Capo is sold in online stores for musicians and in ordinary retail outlets. It is important for a person wishing to purchase this accessory to make a choice based on criteria such as:
• strength;
• the ability to use with the existing type of guitar and strings;
• weight;
• pressing force.
If the strings do not take root well enough, the tonality of the guitar will change insignificantly, and rattling will be added to the sound of the instrument. Excessive pressing of the strings is fraught with damage to the neck. It is best to find a model in which the force on the strings is controlled. According to this parameter, elastic bands with holes or spring mechanisms are suitable for you.
Strength and weight of the accessory are often interconnected, especially when it comes to metal capo. Many try to take the model with the largest mass, because they believe that it is more durable. However, long rehearsals with this model will not work.
Which capo is better?
If you made a capo with your own hands, then do not be surprised that it will fail at the most crucial moment. For guitars with
nylon strings, fabric or plastic models are suitable. Stretch models are good for fans, especially if they have in their design a bar made of a material that is more resistant to wear. It is best to take tension models with a tightening system that has holes. In this case, the tape holds more firmly.
An ideal choice would be a capo with a spring mechanism made of metal. It will suit any guitar, as the pressure force in it can be adjusted. The disadvantage of this model can be called only the cost. In some cases, the price for an accessory can be over 1000 rubles. Most professional musicians use such capo.