Which capo??!!
Being very new to guitar playing, I have yet to purchase a capo. I have been looking at them with a view to getting one, but there are so many!! I have a steel strung acoustic, and I want an easy to use capo. Any tips on which ones to look at and, more importantly, which ones to avoid? :)
# 1
A couple of my friends who have been playing for years both recommended Kyser so that's what I bought. I'm a beginner (only 3 months in) but I find that it gets in my way and makes it harder for me to fret some of the chords. I'd like to find a smaller one but I'm not sure what to look for either... but I confess that I haven't put much research into it at this point.
I look forward to hearing what you decide on and seeing what other people recommend.
I look forward to hearing what you decide on and seeing what other people recommend.
Ken Sturgeon
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[SIZE="1"]Taylor 114ce
Gretsch G5120[/SIZE]
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[SIZE="1"]Taylor 114ce
Gretsch G5120[/SIZE]
# 2
Originally Posted by: ksturgeonA couple of my friends who have been playing for years both recommended Kyser so that's what I bought. I'm a beginner (only 3 months in) but I find that it gets in my way and makes it harder for me to fret some of the chords. I'd like to find a smaller one but I'm not sure what to look for either... but I confess that I haven't put much research into it at this point.
I look forward to hearing what you decide on and seeing what other people recommend.
I have always found the KYSER to be a great capo. I have used DUNLOP and SHUBB capos before, and I always seem to go back to KYSER. They make many different types and colors and I am sure you will find something that works for you.
Douglas Showalter
# 3
# 4
Capos usually fall into two different types.
One that involves a spring and clamp like the Kyser,
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Kyser-QuickChange-Capo-6String?sku=361600&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=26024255
and those that involve a simple bar held in place by an elastic band, such as this Jim Dunlop model.
http://www.jimdunlop.com/index.php?page=products/pip&id=75&pmh=products/capos
I have both but generally use the Kyser. If you feel that the clamp gets in your way you might opt for the bar and band type. There are also clamp models with the mechanism that sits in a different spot. Like this Schubb
http://sonic.net/~shubb/deluxe/index.html
It's all personal preference.
One that involves a spring and clamp like the Kyser,
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Kyser-QuickChange-Capo-6String?sku=361600&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=26024255
and those that involve a simple bar held in place by an elastic band, such as this Jim Dunlop model.
http://www.jimdunlop.com/index.php?page=products/pip&id=75&pmh=products/capos
I have both but generally use the Kyser. If you feel that the clamp gets in your way you might opt for the bar and band type. There are also clamp models with the mechanism that sits in a different spot. Like this Schubb
http://sonic.net/~shubb/deluxe/index.html
It's all personal preference.
# 5
I was just thinking about this today.....I was going to post something too. I need a capo for my classical guitar but don't know if I should be looking for something specific or just get any capo at Guitar Center.
I was researching and figured out so far that I either want a Shubb or a Kyser. The Kyser seems to be quick, easy, and reliable compared to other clamp designs, but I'm worried about the spring losing tension over time. Also, since Kyser acts like a clamp, there is uneven tension among the strings. It's like a giant clothes-pin.
The Shubb is what I'm leaning towards right now seeing as how I can adjust the tension so I have more control over any tone imperfections.
I was researching and figured out so far that I either want a Shubb or a Kyser. The Kyser seems to be quick, easy, and reliable compared to other clamp designs, but I'm worried about the spring losing tension over time. Also, since Kyser acts like a clamp, there is uneven tension among the strings. It's like a giant clothes-pin.
The Shubb is what I'm leaning towards right now seeing as how I can adjust the tension so I have more control over any tone imperfections.
# 6
Thanks so much for the info and the links. Its really helping, I actually feel as if I know what I'm talking about now!! :)
# 7
I really like the Planet Waves Adjustable Capo. You can set the tension so you don't wear out your frets as fast.
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-Dual-Action-Capo?sku=360629
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-Dual-Action-Capo?sku=360629
Take a look at the Practice Routine Generator at www.BeginnerGuitarSystem.com
# 8
Never thought of a capo as wearing down the frets? Why do you think it would do that?
Planet Waves always has good products though. The few extra dollars is usually worth it for the quality you get.
Planet Waves always has good products though. The few extra dollars is usually worth it for the quality you get.
# 9
The only thing about that capo is that you shouldn't use it on a classical guitar. Classical guitars have flat fretboards, while other guitars have sort of curves fretboards. This capo is curved, so if you put it on a flat fretboard, the middle strings will buzz.
# 10
A few useful capo tips;
- Watch how you put it on your guitar neck. I cannot tell you the amount of times that I have seen people (particularly singer/songwriters) put their capos on at some strange angle on the fret and wonder why their chords are out of tune. Be mindful of this to keep your chords in tune. Make sure the base of your capo lines up parallel with the fret you are placing it in on. If you are wanting to capo the 7th fret, make sure your capo is straight across the guitar neck as close to the bottom of the fret as possible without making any fret buzz. This will make your chords sound fresh and very much in tune.
- Watch how you put it on your guitar neck. I cannot tell you the amount of times that I have seen people (particularly singer/songwriters) put their capos on at some strange angle on the fret and wonder why their chords are out of tune. Be mindful of this to keep your chords in tune. Make sure the base of your capo lines up parallel with the fret you are placing it in on. If you are wanting to capo the 7th fret, make sure your capo is straight across the guitar neck as close to the bottom of the fret as possible without making any fret buzz. This will make your chords sound fresh and very much in tune.
Douglas Showalter
# 11
So much good advice! Thats whats so nice about GT, everybody helps everybody else out! Love it :) :)
# 12
No worries. The capo is a great tool for guitarists and songwriter alike. I feel it is something that is often overlooked and used improperly by means of how its' placed on the guitar. Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress. :eek:
Douglas Showalter
# 13
Got one! In the end I went for a lever action capo that is nice and compact. It doesn't get in the way at all and seems a good fit. Plus it was a bargain! Only £5 delivered! The make is Dadi. I'm sure in time I may want something a bit more sophisticated, but for now this one is perfect. Thanks for all the advice, it made choosing one alot easier. :) :)
# 14
I actually just picked up my first capo in 13 years of guitar playing haha. I bought a Shubb capo for my Classical guitar. Works great! I'll probably buy a Shubb for my other guitars too.
# 15
Originally Posted by: happyjuicegirlBeing very new to guitar playing, I have yet to purchase a capo. I have been looking at them with a view to getting one, but there are so many!! I have a steel strung acoustic, and I want an easy to use capo. Any tips on which ones to look at and, more importantly, which ones to avoid? :)
I like the G7. Easy to squeeze, Easy to adjust because of ratchet design, not spring. The downside is they're not cheap.
# 16
