Using a Capo.. - Page 2

ahorsewithnonam · #16 10-08-2003, 10:11 AM

James Taylor tunes down 1/2 step and uses a capo all over the place.

DJanzen · #17 10-08-2003, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ahorsewithnonam
James Taylor tunes down 1/2 step and uses a capo all over the place.

Yeah... but he's cheating!

So do I.

DJanzen

UncleShish · #18 10-08-2003, 11:53 AM

I tune down a whole step & use the capo for some of my songs I've written in standard. For me the capo is more about suiting my vocal range rather than my playing. I also use 2 capos at times, one is a whole capo and the other a partial. If I put the partial on from the top I'm in a DADGAD tuning, from the bottom an open A.
Have fun

thunderhawk · #19 10-08-2003, 11:54 AM

Did Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Segovia, Schofield, John McGlaughlin, Frissel, Vai, Satriani, Zappa, Hendrix ever use capos? I will go against the grain here and say drop the capo; learn your bar chords, music theory, and different voicings. I feel that I have become a far better muscian when I quit using the capo and forced myself to learn the above. You never see a sax player or piano player using a capo equivalent--they just learn the keys/scales.

Acoustical · #20 10-08-2003, 12:14 PM

For me its not about learning voicings and theory, I have learned that (not all!), but there are times when open chords just fit the bill better. The sound of an open chord rings much clearer in my ears than a bar chord. (I am speaking primarily of acoustic playing)

I never use it as a crutch, just a convenience.

thunderhawk · #21 10-08-2003, 01:02 PM

I guess some could consider it as a crutch; I just think of it as not using the full potential of the instrument. I you capo on the third fret what happen to the other 12 notes? Sure they can be played in different voicings, but they are lost.

Also, I watched/saw Joe Pass several times. A couple of times he played in Denver to small (50 people) crowds. He would talk to us informally, and during one of his talks he was asked about playing. He said "Never play an open note; it will put the audience to sleep." I am aware that many blues greats use open notes especially when playing riffs (not that I am a blues great-far from it), but aside from that I have not played an open chord in many years. In fact, I have become bored with many of the traditional open chord voicings of standard songs so I have been playing with changing them to jazz voicings. For example, "Friend of the Devil" by the Dead is a good song but boring to play with just G, C, D, and Am. So, the jazz rule is: Change all major chords to major 7ths, change minor chords to minor 7ths, and change 7ths to 9ths. For me, it makes playing the oldies exciting again.

BobS · #22 10-08-2003, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thunderhawk
Did Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Segovia, Schofield, John McGlaughlin, Frissel, Vai, Satriani, Zappa, Hendrix ever use capos? I will go against the grain here and say drop the capo; learn your bar chords, music theory, and different voicings. I feel that I have become a far better muscian when I quit using the capo and forced myself to learn the above. You never see a sax player or piano player using a capo equivalent--they just learn the keys/scales.

Too bad that James Taylor didn't do that so he could be a better musician.

jimklein · #23 10-08-2003, 03:11 PM

I love the capo just for a different sound. especially when playing along with others..

Marge · #24 10-08-2003, 03:34 PM

As a vocalist who uses the guitar to accompany me, I use the capo a lot. Sure, I could transpose songs, and many times I do. It's just that if a capo works, and I am able to sing the song easier. So be it!

Music is a hobby for me. The important part for me is to enjoy singing and enjoy my guitars and the music I make with it. A capo is a useful tool. There's no shame in using a capo. I think it's kind of silly to imply there is. Use a capo and be proud!!!!

MAKE it a GREAT day!!!

Marge

Cakes · #25 10-08-2003, 03:43 PM

I'm with you all the way, Marge. I like to learn new ways to play chords 'up the neck' and I am always learning new things, but capo's can be a great thing and I daresay that even the most accomplished guitarist could not achieve certain sound/voicings that a capo affords without a capo. (did that make sense?

)

John

Cakes · #26 10-08-2003, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thunderhawk
Did Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Segovia, Schofield, John McGlaughlin, Frissel, Vai, Satriani, Zappa, Hendrix ever use capos? I will go against the grain here and say drop the capo; learn your bar chords, music theory, and different voicings. I feel that I have become a far better muscian when I quit using the capo and forced myself to learn the above. You never see a sax player or piano player using a capo equivalent--they just learn the keys/scales.

I could make a list of very accomplished guitar veterans and pioneers who use capos, but what would be the point? It is a tool that helps make or at least enhance (to some people) music. To say that a pianist doesn't use a capo-like device (though some key board players *do* modulate electronically), therefore a guitarist shouldn't either is like a vocalist saying, 'I don't need an *instrument* to make music when I have my voice. Silly indeed. Is learning closed chords a good thing? Sure. Is it better? No. It is subjective.

John

nhsmitty · #27 10-08-2003, 03:51 PM

My Tony Rice DVD shows him using one. That's good enough for me. He even said that some folks can play certain runs and such in the proper key, A for instance, but he uses a capo. He respects them for being able to do what they can do, but he does what works for him.

thunderhawk · #28 10-08-2003, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cakes
I daresay that even the most accomplished guitarist could not achieve certain sound/voicings that a capo affords without a capo. (did that make sense? )

NO. "...that a capo affords without a capo." Implies not using a capo. So what are you saying? Seems to me that most great guitarist have no need for the capo since they have mastered their instruments. But, if it (capo) helps then use it. If it sounds good to you then play it. But, if something causes pain then avoid it.

Personally, I do no like capo's nor do I like James Taylor. I always thought James was a little behind his peers, maybe he is a good performer but never was me cup of tea. I prefer Joe Strummer's recent work, but many think otherwise--my choice. At any rate I am not passing judgement on the capo or James Taylor, I just avoid both.

BobS · #29 10-09-2003, 12:09 AM

I'm sure James is losing a lot a sleep tonite.

troubleman · #30 10-09-2003, 04:25 AM

I use a capo for several purposes:

1. It helps with tendonitis/carpel tunnel when it rears its ugly head. If I tune down a step and capo at the second fret, I've effectively changed the scale length of the neck to something that's less strenuous on my left hand - especially for wide interval chords.

2. I like using a "partial" capo (two strings) for very wide interval voicings. It's faster and easier than retuning

3. For some songs, that "tinkly" chime sound that you get when you capo at the 5th fret is useful

4. On days like today (fighting laryingitis) when my voice is hit or miss, it allows me to quickly and easily change keys and get in a range that my voice can handle.

5. When I'm writing a song it allows me to quickly compare the sound of song in different keys.

Otherwise, I just transpose to a different key. Years ago the choir director at my church played in a band with the late Michael Hedges. Apparently Hedges refused to use a capo. But according to Joe (my choir director), Hedges was one of those people who could look at a piece of music, sight-read and play it - regardless of the tuning his guitar was it . Unfortunately, I'm not quite there yet with theoretical knowledge.
To be fair - Michael Hedges might not have been from this planet.....