There are a few reasons why your guitar might go out of tune when you use a capo. Some of the most common causes include:
- The type of capo you are using: Some capos, such as spring capos, can put more pressure on the strings than others. This can cause the strings to stretch and go out of tune over time.
- 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 over time.
- The type of guitar you are using: 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 you are using: 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.
How to fix a guitar that goes out of tune when using a capo
If your guitar is going out of tune when you use a capo, there are a few things you can do to fix it:
- Use a better quality capo: A better 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.
Here are some additional tips for keeping your guitar in tune with a capo:
- Tune your guitar before you put on the capo: This will help to ensure that your guitar is in tune before you start playing.
- Tune your guitar regularly: Even if you are using a capo, it is important to tune your guitar regularly. This will help to prevent it from going out of tune.
- Be careful not to overtighten the capo: Overtightening the capo can put too much pressure on the strings and cause them to go out of tune.
- Warm up your guitar before you play: Warming up your guitar will help to loosen the strings and make them less likely to go out of tune.
With a little care and attention, you should be able to keep your guitar in tune with a capo for extended periods of time.
Here are some additional tips that may help to keep your guitar in tune with a capo:
- Use a capo that is made of a soft material, such as rubber or felt. This will help to reduce the amount of pressure that is placed on the strings.
- Place the capo as close to the fretboard as possible. This will help to reduce the amount of tension that is placed on the strings.
- If you are using a floating bridge, adjust the bridge saddles so that the strings are slightly higher than normal. This will help to compensate for the loss of tension caused by the capo.
- Tune your guitar frequently, especially if you are playing in a hot or humid environment.
