capo (Full Version)

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Message

pacodegarcia -> capo (Apr. 28 2007 1:11:21)

Hi All,
new to this forum, would like to ask re the benifit of use of a capo when practicing. Is it better to not use one etc. I find it easier to play some falsetas with a capo any advise apreciated.



TANúñez -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 1:49:35)

It is easier to practice with it on if your having trouble with some of the stretching. However, IMO, practicing without it helps you develop some dexterity(sp?). I practice with and without it.



andresito -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 2:59:53)

The falsetas you can play easier with the capo on, you'll be able to play even easier if you practice without it! [:)]



Ricardo -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 5:15:37)

As you start to advance, and you begin to collect a nice bag of functional falsetas, meaning you find yourself needing to play things for dancers or singers, you realize you need to practice certain falsetas with the capo in various positions so you get used to either big stretches, or being high on the neck depending.

For example, having to play Alegrias in E, with no capo, is common. Also, you might have some nice Solea falsetas a little bit high on the neck. Most singers sing Solea between 5th or 7th fret (if playing Arriba). So that means you better have those same falsetas comfortable up that high! I have rehearsed with singers who take it easy, singing at 6 for a week. Then you have it all worked out with the dancer, get on stage and the singer says he wants it a little higher, like 7. You won't believe how if you are not prepared, that losing one extra fret can really mess you up.

So Practicing with the capo off or at various positions, is a very good idea.

Ricardo



andresito -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 9:01:23)

What Ricardo says is right, also what Tom says about dexterity and finger strength / stretch... you gotta be versatile!



rombsix -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 10:57:06)

Hola Ricardo,

When you were surprised on stage by the cantaor telling you to take it up just one extra fret, and you were not prepared for such a capo position, why didn't you keep the capo on 6 and then tune up to make it sound like it were on 7? Wouldn't that have worked?



Ricardo -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 14:02:51)

quote:

why didn't you keep the capo on 6 and then tune up to make it sound like it were on 7? Wouldn't that have worked?


On stage in a virtual blackout with audience, singer, and dancers waiting for you to "retune"????????[:D][:D]

Well, it takes some time to retune and for the strings to get used to the new position, especially sharp! Plus, tuning strings sharp that are not brand new, runs a risk of having them break, especially if you tune it "fast".

My point is the singer could have said 5 or 8 just as easily. So have your music prepared in a couple of positions. [;)]



rombsix -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 18:11:11)

Yo Ric,

Aha, I see what you mean. Good advice.

But what the hell is that with the singer telling you to change it on the spot like that? He (or she) thinks you have nothing to do in life but to practice the music in many capo positions so that you can keep up with his / her whimsical needs? If I were you, I would have just taken my guitar and smashed it over their heads (but I'd hate to ruin a perfectly good conde)!

PS: If the great PdL can do this, I don't see why you can't as well!




Ricardo -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 19:56:03)

quote:

But what the hell is that with the singer telling you to change it on the spot like that?


When the singer is singing, he or she is the leader, and needs to feel as comfortable as possible. It is a kin to having to perform on someone elses guitar that is not at the right action for you. It can be very frustrating. So the job of the accompanying guitarist to simply supply the key most comfortable for the singer. I could be the AHOLE guitarist and say "no, for the sake of one falseta, you are going to suffer singing lower at a pitch you can't project with the right feeling. Sorry F you...". But that I think is worse than the opposite, which would be simply to be used to playing the same music in different positions.[;)]

Plus what if, god for bid, you work with a DIFFERENT singer, who sings in a different key than the other guy????? I mean, do you see the importance of getting used to different capo positions?

Although I guess if I smash the guitar over a singers head, I won't have to worry about accompanying many singers very often in the future.[:D]

Ricardo



pacodegarcia -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 22:49:24)

Thanks for the replies everyone... now.... when not accompanying a singer, say when playing solo is there a general convention say when playing a Bularia/Alegrias etc. as to the Capo position.... 2nd, 3rd, 4th fret?
Is there any rule/convention with this or purely the choice of the guitarist?
Having come originally from a classical background. The Capo was always to attain a particular Key.



Ricardo -> RE: capo (Apr. 28 2007 23:23:58)

quote:

when not accompanying a singer, say when playing solo is there a general convention say when playing a Bularia/Alegrias etc. as to the Capo position.... 2nd, 3rd, 4th fret?
Is there any rule/convention with this or purely the choice of the guitarist?


No, it is the choice of the soloist. Nuñez for example plays majority of his solo rep, with no capo. Just keep in mind, there are no solo players that dont' accompany any cante ever.[;)]

So the solos are born out of a style meant for accompanying. See the point? So in a sense there ARE conventions. For example, a lot of bulerias por medio, in A major, are going to be capoed between 2-4, since that is a common singing range for male singers. So you will see the vast majority of guitar soloists playing that stuff at said positions. But no rules saying you can't play por medio with no capo, or capo on 8. Your choice.

Modern players have learned to use the capo to transpose in an "orchestral" way, so that two guitars can play in different keys and make nice harmonies. For example one guitar may play no capo position 4, C#, and the accompanying guitar plays capo 4, por medio or A major.

Ricardo



Guest -> [Deleted] (Apr. 28 2007 23:26:03)

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Adam -> RE: capo (Apr. 29 2007 0:04:19)

quote:

ORIGINAL: romerito

quote:

No, it is the choice of the soloist. Nuñez for example plays majority of his solo rep, with no capo. Just keep in mind, there are no solo players that dont' accompany any cante ever.


What about Ottmar?[8|][:D]


hehe oh come on now, stop hating [:D] He means flamenco players + you know it. Ottmar doesn't consider himself flamenco, last time I checked.



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