10 thoughts on “Using a Capo Isn’t a Sign of Weakness”
Occasionally we play with more than one acoustic guitar, and when we do it’s always nice to have the two playing with different capo positions so that they aren’t producing the same sounds.
It’s also way easier to play chord variations in some keys over other “guitar friendly” keys, so I do capo and change to D quite often, just because I like playing around with the D chord a lot!
Great point, Peter. I didn’t mention how this comes in handy when two acoustic guitarists are playing at the same time. That’s probably one of those times when one of the guitarists should be required to use a capo!
Im going to try and pass that onto some of our guitarists. Really helpful fir me too as im often on 2nd guitar and not really sure how to make it different from the leader.
(also In Christ Alone sounded hot, gunna try that)
One of my favorites for songs that are in the key of E is to, with a Kyser-type capo, just cover strings 1-5 at the 2nd fret. It’s easier to do if the song doesn’t use F#m, but even if it does sparingly, with a little practice you can reach up behind the capo and cover that bass note when needed.
Great video man. One of the best examples of this is in Shane & Shane’s We Love You Jesus where they play key of C chord shapes with a capo on the 10th fret. Awesome song.
I have no problem using a capo on an acoustic for arranging purposes, but I feel like using a capo on an electric guitar is a sign of weakness. We do Majesty (Here I Am) in A, but the guitar part only works in G, so I have to capo 2. That’s the only time I will do it. I will try not to judge others for using a capo on electric.
On a slightly different topic, I prefer Shubb capos to Keyser since you can adjust the tension,, which is a MUST on an electric. The only downside is that you can’t clip them on the headstock.
Worthily Magnify 
Occasionally we play with more than one acoustic guitar, and when we do it’s always nice to have the two playing with different capo positions so that they aren’t producing the same sounds.
It’s also way easier to play chord variations in some keys over other “guitar friendly” keys, so I do capo and change to D quite often, just because I like playing around with the D chord a lot!
Great point, Peter. I didn’t mention how this comes in handy when two acoustic guitarists are playing at the same time. That’s probably one of those times when one of the guitarists should be required to use a capo!
Top job explaining that one.
Im going to try and pass that onto some of our guitarists. Really helpful fir me too as im often on 2nd guitar and not really sure how to make it different from the leader.
(also In Christ Alone sounded hot, gunna try that)
Can you do more videos like this? I thought it was very helpful.
Thanks Sammy and Rick. I’ll post another one tomorrow.
One of my favorites for songs that are in the key of E is to, with a Kyser-type capo, just cover strings 1-5 at the 2nd fret. It’s easier to do if the song doesn’t use F#m, but even if it does sparingly, with a little practice you can reach up behind the capo and cover that bass note when needed.
I just to think using a capo in ANY key was a sign of weakness! i’ve repented now though. Great video.
I’m with you, bro… blogged about the same thing a little while back: http://www.saintlewismusic.com/BlogEntry.aspx?site_id=10347&entry_id=123961
Great video man. One of the best examples of this is in Shane & Shane’s We Love You Jesus where they play key of C chord shapes with a capo on the 10th fret. Awesome song.
I have no problem using a capo on an acoustic for arranging purposes, but I feel like using a capo on an electric guitar is a sign of weakness. We do Majesty (Here I Am) in A, but the guitar part only works in G, so I have to capo 2. That’s the only time I will do it. I will try not to judge others for using a capo on electric.
On a slightly different topic, I prefer Shubb capos to Keyser since you can adjust the tension,, which is a MUST on an electric. The only downside is that you can’t clip them on the headstock.