I don't understand "why" to use a capo

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

Neither Django nor Les Paul were singers...

Actually early on in his career Les Paul did do some singing.....But the notion of the other post, is ludicrous non the less,,,,, (punn)

Both Django Reinhardt and Less Paul (who stated Reinhardt was a major influence on his playing) played a lead soloist style all up and down the neck that obviously precludes using a capo.

[Cypress Knee]

(BTW, I know this thread is getting old and people may not get this far, but here goes anyway.)

In an earlier post I referred to a Glen Campbell appearance on late night TV talking about capos.

Here it is, at least one of them. I was actually watching Dean Martin Friar's Roasts when this popped into the sidescreen, which is how I found it!

The talk about the capo begins at 5:30.



CK

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

(BTW, I know this thread is getting old and people may not get this far, but here goes anyway.)

In an earlier post I referred to a Glen Campbell appearance on late night TV talking about capos.

Here it is, at least one of them. I was actually watching Dean Martin Friar's Roasts when this popped into the sidescreen, which is how I found it!

The talk about the capo begins at 5:30.



CK

I notice that this is an Ovation. I suspect Glen used capos much less frequently when playing electric.

sm

[CASD57]

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

(BTW, I know this thread is getting old and people may not get this far, but here goes anyway.)



In an earlier post I referred to a Glen Campbell appearance on late night TV talking about capos.



Here it is, at least one of them. I was actually watching Dean Martin Friar's Roasts when this popped into the sidescreen, which is how I found it!



The talk about the capo begins at 5:30.







CK

I think im using my capo upside down lol

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

I watch everyone from Johnny Cash to Neil Young playing open position chords with no capo.

Did you watch only one video of each player? I'm asking because you're dead wrong on that.

[mikehartigan]

[Riverwolf]

Originally Posted by jim1960

Did you watch only one video of each player? I'm asking because you're dead wrong on that.

I never said that they NEVER use a capo???

I meant I have watched both performers playing the same song with the same open chords and no capo.
Neil and Johnny's voices being miles apart were an example only of not understanding matching a guitar key to a voice.

Good gods.
Slow day at the office?

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

I never said that they NEVER use a capo???

I meant I have watched both performers playing the same song with the same open chords and no capo.

Well you never said that either.
It's not unusual that at various stages in a performer's career they will sing song's in different keys. For some of us, as we age not only does our range diminish, but we lose the ability to hit the higher notes that were once easily within reach. When that happens, we move the song to a different key. To do that on a guitar, we either have to use a capo or use different chord shapes.

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

Neil and Johnny's voices being miles apart were an example only of not understanding matching a guitar key to a voice.

Even a countertenor and a bass can both sing in the same key. I think your confusion may be a misunderstanding of the term "key." Key has nothing to do with octave. If Neil Young and Johnny Cash sing the same song in the same key, Young may be an octave higher but it doesn't change the key.

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

Good gods.
Slow day at the office?

Retired this past June, so no more office for me.

[Twelvefret]

Like open tunings, a capo allows for more open resonating chords.

[mikehartigan]

This has been quite an entertaining thread. Lots of passion on both sides. Given the number of guitar gods who use a capo, even if only occasionally, I think it's safe to say that a capo doesn't reflect badly on a guitarist's skill level.

To those who say you should never use a capo, I say lighten up. It's just music, fer cryin' out loud! Nobody's life, health, or (gasp!) reputation is on the line. You sound like a teenager who just learned how to drive a stick shift, and now mocks anybody he sees driving an automatic.

To those who say you should always use a capo, well, I haven't seen any of those, so...

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by mikehartigan

You sound like a teenager who just learned how to drive a stick shift, and now mocks anybody he sees driving an automatic.

But they should be mocked...

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

(BTW, I know this thread is getting old and people may not get this far, but here goes anyway.)

In an earlier post I referred to a Glen Campbell appearance on late night TV talking about capos.

Here it is, at least one of them. I was actually watching Dean Martin Friar's Roasts when this popped into the sidescreen, which is how I found it!

The talk about the capo begins at 5:30.



CK

“If you’re going to learn to play guitar, learn to play with a capo.” - Glen Campbell

When you think you know more than you actually do, it pays to listen to those that actually do know.

[stephenT]

Day off so I'll jump in. Have you learned anything from your thread?

Or have you stuck to your original position of non-understanding?

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

I never said that they NEVER use a capo???

I meant I have watched both performers playing the same song with the same open chords and no capo.
Neil and Johnny's voices being miles apart were an example only of not understanding matching a guitar key to a voice.

Good gods.
Slow day at the office?

[big jilm]

I use a capo because the guitar sounds different compared to when I don’t. Sometimes I want it to sound different.

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

I never said that they NEVER use a capo???

I meant I have watched both performers playing the same song with the same open chords and no capo.
Neil and Johnny's voices being miles apart were an example only of not understanding matching a guitar key to a voice.

Good gods.
Slow day at the office?

Savvy octaves?