Ricardo -> RE: Guitar tuning when using capo (Apr. 19 2017 20:06:38)
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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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