Yes, capos can mess up tuning. When you put a capo on your guitar, it presses down on the strings, which increases the tension on the strings. This increase in tension can cause the strings to go out of tune.
The amount of tuning instability caused by a capo will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The type of capo: Some capos, such as spring capos, put more pressure on the strings than others. This can cause the strings to stretch and go out of tune more quickly.
- The placement of the capo: If the capo is not placed correctly, it can put uneven pressure on the strings. This can also cause the strings to go out of tune.
- The type of guitar: Guitars with floating bridges are more likely to go out of tune with a capo than guitars with fixed bridges. This is because the floating bridge can be affected by the change in tension caused by the capo.
- The type of strings: Lighter gauge strings are more likely to go out of tune with a capo than heavier gauge strings. This is because lighter gauge strings have less tension.
To minimize the tuning instability caused by a capo, you can try the following tips:
- Use a high-quality capo: A high-quality capo will put less pressure on the strings and be less likely to cause them to go out of tune.
- Place the capo correctly: Make sure that the capo is placed evenly on the neck and that it is not pressing down too hard on the strings.
- If you have a floating bridge, adjust it regularly: Floating bridges can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity. Make sure to adjust the bridge regularly to keep it in tune.
- Use heavier gauge strings: Heavier gauge strings have more tension, which makes them less likely to go out of tune with a capo.
You should also tune your guitar before you put on the capo and tune it regularly while you are playing.
If you are playing with a capo, it is important to be aware of the potential for tuning instability and to take steps to minimize it. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your guitar in tune and avoid the frustration of having to constantly retune.
