What is a Capo?

What is a Capo?

A capo is a device used to clamp onto the strings to shorten the neck. It mounts behind the fret and holds the stings down in a straight line. What this does is changes the key being played in while you are using the same chord positions.

Example:

If you place the capo on the second fret and play in "G" you are really playing in "A". Third fret "B flat", forth fret "B", fifth fret "C" and so on. However bluegrass is usually played between "G" and "C" so you really only have to learn to play in "G".

Now for the fifth string.

The same capo does not work here. For this one you will have to install a fifth string capo. There are two different kinds. One mounts onto the side with two screws and uses a slide. The other are called "railroad spikes" and are tiny hooks that are nailed into the fingerboard that the string clips under. Then the string is tuned up a note if needed.

Keep on Pickin'

Angie

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