There are many topics guitar players debate about when discussing the best way to perform with their instrument. Every musician has their own preferences for playing, and what suits one person’s tastes may not be beneficial for another. One of those talked-about topics is whether or not using a capo makes it easier or more challenging to play.
Using a guitar capo can assist in changing keys, making barre chords, and writing music. A guitar capo will not help when you are trying to create quality vibrato sounds, play solos, get the correct string tension, or have precise control over your instrument.
This article will cover eight reasons why using a capo while playing your guitar can be beneficial, and eight reasons why trying to work around one might be more of a hassle than a help. Keep reading this article if you need help deciding whether using a guitar capo is the best choice for you.
Related: our guide to must-have guitar accessories covers the basics in one place.
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- Fender Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (MY FAVORITE GUITAR)
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- 6 String Acoustic Guitar Capo (Best CAPO for quick changes)
- Dunlop Max Grip 1.0mm Nylon Picks (Thick Guitar Pick So You Don’t Lose Grip!)
- Universal Guitar Stand (Cheap & Minimalist Guitar Stand I Recommend)
- Levy’s 2″ Wide Quick Adjust Guitar Strap (Best Guitar Strap For Any Level)
The Pros of Using a Guitar Capo
Although some more experienced musicians may stick up their noses at the idea of using a guitar capo, there are actually quite a few benefits to having one around while playing your instrument.
Guitar Capos Change the Key Easily
One of the most common reasons you see guitarists play with a capo is that it helps make it easier to play in a broader range of keys. When you place a capo on your guitar, it automatically changes the key you are playing in. It shortens the strings shortens, thus changing their pitch.
Using a capo to change the key of a song is extremely helpful for singers who like a particular tune but may not have the proper vocal range to sing it well. By shifting the capo once or twice, a song that was once too high or low can now sit perfectly in a singer’s range.
Capos also allow you to experiment with new sounds when you place them on different sections of the neck of the guitar. You can play around with songs in entirely different keys just to get a feel for what they would sound like in a higher or lower range.
And I’m not even mentioning the fact that many songs are meant to be played with a capo. It’s definitely a tool you want to have at hand if you want to be able to play any song you hear.
Guitar Capos Limit the Chord Shapes You Have To Learn
Playing any chord on the guitar requires learning a new hand shape. Getting the hang of all of these chord shapes can be tricky and time-consuming for beginners, particularly after they have mastered the easier ones.
Putting a capo on your guitar can make the process of learning the different positioning for each new note a little less troublesome.
If you can master the most commonly-used hand shapes, you just have to add a capo to any spot on the neck to change the key you are playing in. Then, using those same hand motions, you will be able to play new chords depending on the placement of the capo.
Guitar Capos Change the Sound of the Guitar
The most significant difference that a guitar capo makes in the sound coming from the instrument is how bright the chords sound the further you go down the frets.
Because the capo is clamping down the strings, there is going to be more tension in them the closer you get to the bottom of the neck. This tension will create a lighter, more twangy noise, and the chords will not sound so deep as you move down the frets.
The added brightness will allow you to expand the sounds your guitar can make, and you will be able to do more with fewer changes to how your hands are positioned on the guitar.
Guitar Capos Lower the Action of the Strings
With a guitar capo clamped onto your instrument, the strings will adjust to sitting closer to the frets. When this happens, it means that the action of the strings has been lowered.
Having the action of the strings taken care of by the capo is a great asset, particularly to beginners who are just learning how to play barre chords. The capo holding down the strings allows you to change chords more quickly, making it easier to play a wider variety of combinations.
Having a lower string action also makes it less tiring to play faster because you don’t have to press down all of the strings consistently. You will also be able to play for longer since your hands will not be as tired from the constant pressing.
Guitar Capos Make Playing Barre Chords Easier
A massive benefit of using a capo when playing guitar is that the device will barre the entire fret off, making playing barre chords much more manageable.
To play a barre chord, you have to exert a lot of force with your fingers—especially if you’re a beginner. Constantly holding down the strings will likely be uncomfortable and difficult if you are not an experienced guitar player.
With a capo, the strings are already pressed down into place, so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re using enough strength. You can just concentrate on improving your form.