Q&A for How to Capo a Fret on an Acoustic Guitar

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  • Question
    Is using a capo cheating?
    Aaron Asghari
    Professional Guitar Player
    Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years.
    Professional Guitar Player
    Expert Answer
    Not at all. A capo just lets you quickly adjust the key of a song while still using the same guitar chord shapes and scale patterns.
  • Question
    How can I lessen the pain in my fingers?
    Community Answer
    Try lessening the pressure you apply when you play. Otherwise, just practicing continually over time will allow calluses to form on your fingers that will stop them from hurting.
  • Question
    Does it matter which way up I have my capo?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the capo, but it doesn't ordinarily matter.
  • Question
    What does the - and + mean when it comes to capo? How do I adjust for a +3 capo, for example?
    Community Answer
    That would mean a capo at the third fret. Keep in mind that a capo is generally used to help the singer find a comfortable range. Unless you're playing along, you can play with a capo wherever you want.
  • Question
    Can I tune my guitar with the capo on?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you may tune your guitar with the capo on as long as you adjust for it.
  • Question
    Where I can put my capo?
    Stephen Songo
    Community Answer
    Anywhere on the frets. Some places are too low, for example under 12 fret is really hard to play.
  • Question
    Does this still work with a ukulele?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Although, having only 4 strings, it might just be simpler to learn how to play it.
  • Question
    If the capo is not the fret where your chords are, what do you do regarding playing that chord?
    Community Answer
    If you were originally playing a G major chord, and you capo 1, then pretend that that capo is the new nut of the guitar. You slide all your fingers up a fret.
  • Question
    Does a guitar capo keep you from having to use your fingers to play different chords?
    Community Answer
    A capo doesn't keep you from playing chords with your fingers, but it can simplify them so you only have to put a few fingers down.
  • Question
    Where do you put your finger with a capo?
    Community Answer
    Use the same fingering as you would without the capo. Pretend that the capo is the new "nut" of the guitar. A G major chord would be the same as it would be on capo 1, 2, 3, or any other.
  • Question
    Do you put the capo at the top of of the fret or at the bottom of the fret?
    Community Answer
    When placing the capo on your guitar, it should be closest to the next fret. For example, if you place the capo on the third fret, it should be very close too, but not on, the fourth fret.
  • Question
    If I put a capo on, say, the third fret, but some of the chords I'm using are on the first and second frets. Do I move everything down several frets or just play despite the capo in between notes?
    BlackDrummer
    Community Answer
    The capo makes everything higher, so when it comes 1st and 2nd frets, the fourth fret now becomes the first.
  • Question
    Can a capo be used on another stringed instrument with a neck, like a banjo or mandolin?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is what a capo is used for. It can work for any instrument that has a neck connecting the main body and tuning pegs.
  • Question
    Can I capo down? For example from A to A flat?
    El
    Community Answer
    Strings cannot be capoed down from the starting note. (without a capo). If you want to play lower than what the standard tuning is, you can tune each string down. For example, A to A flat would be changing every string down one semitone.
  • Question
    The capo which I bought is so hard to press. It is so hard to move it from one place to another. Is there any problem with it? It is so hard to attach it in the guitar, I barely attached it.
    Rebekka Rian
    Community Answer
    You need to loosen the screw! Every guitar is different, and the capo doesn't fit the same on the whole guitar.
  • Question
    If you are supposed to put the capo on the 4th fret, do you put it at the end of the 4th fret or beginning?
    Community Answer
    Put it as close to the fret as you can, as this makes the sound clearer and eliminates any buzzing.
  • Question
    Is it possible to use a capo on an electric guitar?
    Jamie Lange
    Community Answer
    Yes. Most capos are suited for all guitars, but make sure to read product descriptions before you buy a product.
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