Tuning a guitar with a capo on can be a somewhat confusing process for both beginners and experienced guitarists. Many guitarists wonder if they should tune their instrument while the capo is in place or if they should remove it before tuning. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the concept of tuning with a capo on, when it’s necessary, and how to do it correctly.
Understanding the Purpose of a Capo
Before delving into tuning with a capo on, it’s essential to understand the purpose of a capo. A capo is a device used to change the pitch of a guitar’s strings by pressing them down across the fretboard. It effectively shortens the vibrating length of the strings, resulting in a higher pitch. Guitarists use capos to:
- Change the key of a song without altering chord shapes.
- Achieve a brighter or more treble-rich tone.
- Simplify playing in certain keys or chord progressions.
- Create open-string drone effects.
Tuning without a Capo vs. Tuning with a Capo
The general rule of thumb is that you should tune your guitar without the capo on. When your guitar is in standard tuning (EADGBE) without a capo, it ensures that each string is at its correct pitch. Tuning your guitar while the capo is in place can lead to inaccuracies and an out-of-tune instrument.
Here’s why tuning with a capo on is generally not recommended:
- Inaccurate Tuning: The capo places additional tension on the strings, altering their pitch slightly. Tuning with the capo on can lead to the strings being sharp, flat, or inconsistent across the fretboard.
- String Stress: Tuning with the capo on can subject the strings to unnecessary stress, potentially causing them to break or wear out faster.
- Difficulty in Tuning: It can be challenging to tune accurately when the capo is pressing down on the strings, making it hard to turn the tuning pegs smoothly.
When Should You Tune with a Capo On?
While tuning with a capo on is generally discouraged, there are specific situations where it becomes necessary or beneficial:
- Using Alternate Tunings with a Capo: Some guitarists use alternate tunings, such as drop D or open tunings, with a capo. In these cases, you would tune your guitar to the desired alternate tuning first and then place the capo on the desired fret. The capo will maintain the altered tuning across the fretboard.
- Capo-Transposing: If you’re using a capo to transpose a song into a different key, you should tune your guitar to the desired key without the capo and then apply the capo at the appropriate fret.
- Quick Key Changes: In live performances or situations where you need to switch keys rapidly, you might tune your guitar to the desired key without the capo, place the capo where needed, and fine-tune as necessary.
How to Tune with a Capo On (When Necessary)
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to tune with a capo on, follow these steps:
- Tune your guitar to the desired pitch without the capo in place. You can use a tuner or tune by ear using a reference pitch.
- Once your guitar is in tune, carefully place the capo on the desired fret without disturbing the tuning.
- Play each string and check if it’s still in tune. Use a tuner to make precise adjustments if needed.
- Be mindful of any changes in string tension and pitch caused by the capo’s placement.
Conclusion
Tuning your guitar with a capo on is generally discouraged because it can lead to inaccuracies and stress on the strings. It’s best to tune your guitar without the capo to ensure that each string is at the correct pitch. However, there are situations where tuning with a capo on becomes necessary, such as when using alternate tunings or transposing a song into a different key. In these cases, it’s essential to tune your guitar accurately before applying the capo and make any necessary adjustments to maintain the correct pitch. By understanding when and how to use a capo, you can effectively incorporate it into your playing and enjoy its benefits without compromising your guitar’s tuning.