How many of you use a Capo?

I use one now and then. Sometimes because they are necessary for the sound (Dire Straits 'Wild West End'), sometimes for playability. I have an acoustic with kinda high action I usually use for slide in open D, but capo'd at 2 the action is nice and low for Little Martha in open E.
 
bsman said:
I'm a "capo-on-the-headstock-when-not-in-use" guy and can't imagine why that would be a problem!?!
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Like Gary said. Its a problem if you have OCD. Those of us who have OCD in its various iterations understand this. Those who don't, don't.
 
Also, as I have said, I don't care what others do. I don't like it for myself, so I don't do it. Other folks can do as they wish.

My Luna head stocks are beautiful; I don't want to block that beauty.
 
instantsteve said:
Like Gary said. Its a problem if you have OCD. Those of us who have OCD in its various iterations understand this. Those who don't, don't.
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funny-OCD-sign-clinic.jpg
 
have one and cannot recall if it's a Kyser or a Shubb (and I'm too lazy to fish it out of the case right now). obviously, not often used.

I am interested in hearing more abut using it for harmonics: how is that done?
 
@bsman: that's not the smartest thing I have ever said. Oh well.

Since my main thing is using the guitar to accompany my singing, I do use capos. I love the convenience of the Kyser. I have a different one for my 12 string, although I can't recall what kind it is.
 
In a couple of weeks, our church choir is going to sing Help by the Beatles; there will be four guitars. I will play the 12-string and will capo up to give it a different sound from the other guitars and to, hopefully, fill it out. The are playing the song in A; some of those barre chords are not as easy on the 12-string.
 
Been playing for years and never needed one. Now I'm finding a capo to be useful on certain things (Bryan Adams "Run to You" and Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner").

My problem is that when I put the capo on it really whacks the tuning on the guitar. Putting it directly on the fret helps but that's a whacky way to do it (interferes with the new "first" fret fingering). Any help appreciated. Maybe I just have a crappy capo and need a new one (got one of those black spring loaded things, not adjustable).
 
cvogue said:
Been playing for years and never needed one. Now I'm finding a capo to be useful on certain things (Bryan Adams "Run to You" and Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner").

My problem is that when I put the capo on it really whacks the tuning on the guitar. Putting it directly on the fret helps but that's a whacky way to do it (interferes with the new "first" fret fingering). Any help appreciated. Maybe I just have a crappy capo and need a new one (got one of those black spring loaded things, not adjustable).
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If your action is a bit high, this will be a common issue. I usually have to tune down a bit when I put the capo on, but just tune with it on and you are fine. I don't think too many people can slap a capo on a tuned guitar and not have to retune a little. The bigger the frets, the bigger the problem.
 
My spider capo is awesome. I really need to use it more often. The harmonic triggers are pretty cool for an accompaniment, but I've yet to find a suitable use for it as a full song.
 
I use a partial on the acoustics to force me to venture out... also have a full for the 12... But usually I would rather bar than capo..
Not that there's anything wrong with a capo, certainly is not... just a style choice...
 
I think that the style of music can affect the capo/not capo decision. A capo is quite common in folk and country-style music that is based more on open chords but muscj less common in rock music that is based more on barre chords. I've had a capo nearly as long as I have been playing guitar.
 
cvogue said:
Been playing for years and never needed one. Now I'm finding a capo to be useful on certain things (Bryan Adams "Run to You" and Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner").

My problem is that when I put the capo on it really whacks the tuning on the guitar. Putting it directly on the fret helps but that's a whacky way to do it (interferes with the new "first" fret fingering). Any help appreciated. Maybe I just have a crappy capo and need a new one (got one of those black spring loaded things, not adjustable).
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An adjustable one makes a huge difference in keeping your tuning where you want it.
 
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I seem to be in a minority, but I find the Keyser-style, spring-loaded capos very cumbersome to use. To me it is difficult to attach with my left hand, and the width of the capo makes my fingers feel crowded on the fret board. Since I don't like stuff on my headstock, it is also is harder to pocket. The adjustable Shubb just seems perfect for my needs. Obviously, based on the number of Keyser capos I see, this is a minority opinion, and that's okay. I'm used to being different. :hippie:
 
cvogue said:
Been playing for years and never needed one. Now I'm finding a capo to be useful on certain things (Bryan Adams "Run to You" and Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner").

My problem is that when I put the capo on it really whacks the tuning on the guitar. Putting it directly on the fret helps but that's a whacky way to do it (interferes with the new "first" fret fingering). Any help appreciated. Maybe I just have a crappy capo and need a new one (got one of those black spring loaded things, not adjustable).
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An adjustable one makes a
Gary Blanchard said:
I seem to be in a minority, but I find the Keyser-style, spring-loaded capos very cumbersome to use. To me it is difficult to attach with my left hand, and the width of the capo makes my fingers feel crowded on the fret board. Since I don't like stuff on my headstock, it is also is harder to pocket. The adjustable Shubb just seems perfect for my needs. Obviously, based on the number of Keyser capos I see, this is a minority opinion, and that's okay. I'm used to being different. :hippie:
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Actually, I had the same exact issues with Kysers, but, at the time, they were good enough...the Paige "Clik" is MUCH more convenient, easy to use, and less "in the way" for me. And causes considerably less tuning issues up the neck. :cool:
 
I've used Keyser, Dunlop, and Shubb capos. I should say here that I play guitar mostly a church, and sometimes our piano player wants to play with me. She's an older lady who plays by ear, so any change in key must come from me, not her. The capo is invaluable to me in that setting, because I can quickly change key without thinking. I started using the Keyser, but like Gary my fingering felt constrained by the capo. I went to the Dunlop, which was better for me, but still not exactly the feel I wanted. Then I happened to try out the Shubb at my local music store. I liked the clear tones I was getting, presumably because I could set the tension, as opposed to a pretensioned spring, and I liked that the lower profile gave my fingers more room. I bought 3 (including the 12-string version), and I have been very happy. One day, I might check out the Paige Click, but for now, I have what I need. Oh, and I'm a naked headstock guy, too. Just preference.
 
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