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Guitar tuning when using capo
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Piwin
Posts: 3563
Joined: Feb. 9 2016
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RE: Guitar tuning when using capo (in reply to Schieper)
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Welcome to the foro. It's common. There are things that you can do to minimize the problem though, like just making sure you're putting the capo on right: For starters you can make sure that when you put the capo on you aren't inadvertently pulling the strings sideways. Make sure you're clamping the capo straight down. Another thing is the amount of pressure you're putting on the strings. Clamp the capo down not hard enough, the strings just buzz. Clamp it down too hard, and it will pull the strings sharp against the fret, detuning them. (you can do the same thing by pressing down too hard with your fretting hand fingers. It's usually pretty apparent on the higher frets, say, above 12th fret, i.e. you'll notice a difference in pitch if you press down too hard). So you might have to adjust the pressure on your capo or, if it isn't adjustable, get a new one. The intonation of your guitar could also be off but you would notice that without a capo on. In any event, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Retuning is part of the fun.
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |
Date Apr. 18 2017 9:02:43
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Ricardo
Posts: 14825
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
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RE: Guitar tuning when using capo (in reply to Schieper)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Schieper Hi Girls and Boys, I am only recently using a capo. Last weekend I realized that it effects the tuning of my guitar and that I need to re-tune when playing open stringed, or using capo on second or third string. There is even a difference between placing capo on second and third. In all cases, the higher the capo, the more the trebles are off and need to be tightened a tad. Technically it is only a small adjustment but harmonically, it is relevant. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do about this? Would that disappear with a more expensive guitar? Thanks for the support (and for populating this form with relevant postst...) And so you have discovered why tuning the guitar with fingers on the fingerboard is no good. Only tune open strings, I find harmonics work best. About capo tightness...if the capo is so loose the strings are NOT bent out of tune from where you started, the capo is NOT tight enough for me to play when I dig in with rasgueados. One strum or aggressive apoyando and you will hear the buzzing under the weak grip of the capo. So I always make it pretty tight (lower action guitars can be less tight) and then as others mentioned, wiggle it a touch so make sure it is gripping properly, AND FINALLY tune to OPEN (capo position) strings, (chromatic tuner) or harmonics (by ear). If playing with other musicians make sure at least one of your open strings matches the other instrument's tuning first. After you are sure your open strings are in tune to each other (you can do the tugging for sharp notes, and bending behind the capo or nut for flat notes) you can test a couple chords for the song you are about to perform. EDIT: don't do aggressive tugging of bass strings as they will saw into the upper part of your tie block, decreasing over time your break angle at the saddle. So tug them gently and if the pitch doesn't lower enough you can turn the machine or peg just a hair then tug gently again. Ricardo
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |
Date Apr. 19 2017 20:06:38
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