A Capo's True Purpose: How It Complements Your Playing
On the surface, a capo (even ours) is a relatively simple device. Apply it to the guitar’s neck, change the key to a song, use the same chords you already know, and voila!
That’s great if you just use it in its simplest form, but in a sonic and visual sense, the capo can be so much more!
How much, let’s find out!
The sonic compliments
As mentioned about 10 words ago, the capo’s job is to assist with key changes. If you know a song with open position chords in particular, and you need to raise the key, simply place your capo on the appropriate fret, and you can play the same tune, using the same chords, but in a different key. This makes key changes easy, so you can spontaneously play something in a different key without knowing a ton of theory. Some people may even appreciate the brighter sound using a capo thanks to the higher pitch.
There’s also a little trick that you can use with the capo if you’re in a two-guitar situation on stage or in the studio. Let’s say one player is playing a tune in the key of C major using open-position C, F and G. Rather than having the second player play the same thing, the player just slaps a capo on the 3rd fret of the guitar and plays open position A, D and E (which is actually C, F and G musically). What you get is a wider sound with some added harmonic content thanks to the additional pitches!
The visual compliments
Generally, capos come in a variety of solid colours and patterns, depending on the brand. By finding the right colour, you can give your stage look a little aesthetic pop! You may need multiple ones if you’re wearing different colours or going through costume changes, but, like a nice watch or piece of jewelry, it can be the perfect (and functional) accessory!
But what should you do if you can’t find the colour or style that you’re looking for? Is all hope lost in a sea of chrome parts and black rubber? Well, dear reader, I’m here to say nay to all of that!
Here at Thalia, we offer our capos in a variety of exotic shells, woods and deluxe graphics. Each of these looks is far from bland and offers up the perfect eye candy on your guitar! We even offer capos with graphics licensed by various guitar companies, meaning that you can even match your capo’s aesthetic to some of the embellishments of your guitar!
Still can't find what you’re looking for? Fret not! We can even craft a custom capo with the aesthetics to your liking! This is a unique service that we offer, helping you ensure that your capo is just as visually compelling as your stage wear or your instrument! Just contact us to get your custom capo started!
With the many options you have to make an impression with your instrument, your capo should not be an afterthought. With the right look, this functional piece of kit can complement the aesthetic in ways that only it can.
----
Kevin Daoust is a guitarist, guitar educator and writer based in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. When not tracking guitars for artists around the world or writing music-related articles online, he can be seen on stage with Accordion-Funk legends Hey, Wow, the acoustic duo Chanté et Kev, rock n’ rollers Travelling South, and as a hired-gun guitarist across Quebec and Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
