Where do you tune?

[TBman]

I've been capoing up a lot in alternate tunings. My routine was to check the tuning first with the open strings to my phone app (Pitchlab) or a tuning fork. Then I would put the capo on where ever and then cross tune again. Last night I said the heck with that so I just capo'd where I had to and then used the 12th fret fretted notes to my phone app. Done.

[Athens]

I tune after I put the capo on Since it almost always changes a bit I don't see it worth the effort to tune first, put the capo on then retune.

Just my opinion anyway.

[5th Element]

I put the capo on, then check and re-tune as needed, open strings.

Using a Strobotune HD, I've noticed something interesting. The sweetened tuning (ACU) seems slightly different if I dial in the capo offset. Perhaps the tuner is taking string deflection into account on the capo settings, or I'm simply mistaken -- haven't really delved into it yet.

[Laughingboy68]

I try to tune with the capo off, put it on, and then push down with my palm on all six strings at the soundhole to remove any extra tension from the capo. This almost always gets it really close, so that a minimum amount of tuning is done with the capo on. I find this keeps the amount of continual fine-tuning that I need to do, to a minimum.

[ManyMartinMan]

Originally Posted by 5th Element

I put the capo on, then check and re-tune as needed, open strings....

This for me too.

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by TBman

I've been capoing up a lot in alternate tunings. My routine was to check the tuning first with the open strings to my phone app (Pitchlab) or a tuning fork. Then I would put the capo on where ever and then cross tune again. Last night I said the heck with that so I just capo'd where I had to and then used the 12th fret fretted notes to my phone app. Done.

I tune open, and then put my capo on.

The tuning is always close enough the way I use my capo.

HE

[Tico]

Originally Posted by Athens

I tune after I put the capo on Since it almost always changes a bit I don't see it worth the effort to tune first, put the capo on then retune.

.............

+1

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by Laughingboy68

I try to tune with the capo off, put it on, and then push down with my palm on all six strings at the soundhole to remove any extra tension from the capo. This almost always gets it really close, so that a minimum amount of tuning is done with the capo on. I find this keeps the amount of continual fine-tuning that I need to do, to a minimum.

This ^^^^^^^ for me, too.

Best,
Jayne

[rick-slo]

Slight increased chance of string breakage tuning with a capo applied. Often the third string is most likely to break. So I tune without the capo. Then capo and check tuning but most of the timing leaving the third string alone and adjust around that string if needed. Of course try to apply capo in a way that little to no retuning is needed in the first place.

[cotten]

I was going to suggest try turning some of those little ear thingies on the left end of your guitar... but I won't. My guitars are amazingly stable, tuning wise, so much that all I normally have to do is make very minor adjustments. Of course, I check the tuning before every time I play, and often between songs. With this mind, I like my Shubb or G7 Newport capos because I can easily add just the right amount of pressure on the strings. I'll put one on, tighten the adjusting screw, and double check the tuning. Rarely to I have to fiddle with it much.

cotten

[Skarsaune]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Of course try to apply capo in a way that little to no retuning is needed in the first place.

I'd like to hear suggestions for this.

Played an open mic last night. First song open, 2nd capo 5, 3rd open, 4th capo on 2. Chased tuning all over the place.

Like to hear best capo suggestions for least tuning disturbance, too.

[Stomp]

Originally Posted by 5th Element

I put the capo on, then check and re-tune as needed, open strings.

Using a Strobotune HD, I've noticed something interesting. The sweetened tuning (ACU) seems slightly different if I dial in the capo offset. Perhaps the tuner is taking string deflection into account on the capo settings, or I'm simply mistaken -- haven't really delved into it yet.

Hi 5th Element,

Yes, on the StroboClip HD, the Sweeteners and the Capo/Drop control are linked, the cent offsets for each string transpose to match the capo setting you select.
BTW, have you tried tuning the open strings using the ACU Sweetener and then putting on a capo to play without retuning?
If you're in a tight spot where you have no time to retune after the capo goes on, it's a useful feature.

[SuperB23]

I've found that with the Elliott Style Capo's you don't have to retune once the capo is installed. Years and years ago when I got my first Iphone I spent $9.99 for the GuitarToolit app which was/is a lot for an App obviously but I've been impressed with how smooth and accurate the tuner is on it. In fact I've a bunch of other Tuners and Tuners apps and none compare that I've tried.

[Buc-a-Roo]

My routine is to check tuning open, put the capo on where I need it to be and play. A properly applied capo does not significantly alter tuning, certainly not to the point of having to re-tune. Playing guitar is not brain surgery and does not require tuning accuracy to rival the math it took to put a man on the moon.

[Greg Ballantyne]

Depends somewhat on the guitar, for me. The two Taylors I've got are not likely to require re-tuning with capo application or removal, but my other guitars are. At the same time, the Taylors are much better when it comes to intonation, and are more easily tuned accurately and retain their tuning as well. My take away is that if the neck and intonation are well done, capo re-tuning requirements are greatly reduced.

But I'm not an expert..... just seems to be true in my experience.