Capo

The capo (Italian capotasto, "head collar ") is a device to shorten the vibrating length of the strings of a guitar or a related string instrument (such as lute, mandolin or banjo). It is stretched between two frets to the neck of the instrument and press the strings on the fretboard. Playing technique used is the string length between the body-side of the frets and the bridge.

In most western string instruments, the frets are installed in semitone. When attaching the capo therefore the pitch of all strings per bunch increased by a semitone.

Areas of application

Capos have been used for a long time. Example, they are used to adjust the instrument of the singing voice. The instrument sounds higher by shortening the strings: The song does not have to in a more appropriate target key with a possibly more difficult fingerings are transposed, but you can keep the usual fingering. Here, the player views the federal government where the capo is attached, almost as a new saddle and the fingering moves by the corresponding number of frets on the fingerboard to the top.

A capo allows the implementation of a piece of music in a game technically simpler form, without the key in which it is heard to change. This aspect is when playing together with other instruments of importance, since in general, the key should not be changed. For example, in E flat major set pieces on the guitar more difficult to implement than pieces in C major ( standard tuning: EADGBE ' assumed). Through a capo at the third fret all the strings are tuned up to three semitones. The guitarist can then use the C major guitar chord to play E-flat major, and for example, the E minor handle to sound the G minor chord.

The capo has the reputation of being a tool for guitarists to be, who have not mastered Barrégriffe. However, also draw " Barre artist " like it back (eg Keith Richards ). It is impossible in many cases to faithfully transpose a piece without capo in a different key. This is especially true when a guitar piece contains Harmonics.

With a capo, you can ' tune in the same key though, but playing in a different, higher inversion, whereby the guitar takes on a new tone.

Special designs

There are also capo, the press down only certain strings, the so-called " partial capos ", as well as embodiments in which one can determine for each string if it is to be depressed, the so-called "third -hand capos ".

Problems

When purchasing and using a capo should be paid to the following points:

• The pressure on the strings should be sufficiently high or adjustable to provide a secure base of the strings on the frets without " chattering noise " occur. This is especially true for instruments with curved fingerboards. Again, it is helpful if the pressing part is elastic.
• The pressing on the strings of the part must not damage the strings; the part that rests on the neck of the instrument, this may not cause harm. This problem often occurs with capos, which are equipped with a clamping screw.
• The tuning of the instrument, one may not be sufficient intonation, the condition of the strings and their thickness caused by the different stress on depression can lead to a chord or single notes have incorrect sound or a different pitch. It is recommended that nachzustimmen the instrument or to check individual chords exactly.