Capo Question

[Napthol]

I use a capo on the first fret and then press down at the body fret to measure relief right around the 8th fret. I have been putting the capo right on top of the first fret. Is that correct? Or do you put the capo right behind the fret?

 

[Chistopher]

It should be close enough that it makes no difference, but put the capo behind the fret, as if you were about to play a song in F

 

[NegativeEase]

Capo question? The answer is always NO.

I kid I kid

 

[jeremy]

It should be close enough that it makes no difference, but put the capo behind the fret, as if you were about to play a song in F

correct.

 

[Napthol]

Now I've wondered if I should buy a new capo. The kind I have is an elastic band around a cylindrical thing. I bought it around 1979.

 

[Mincer]

Now I've wondered if I should buy a new capo. The kind I have is an elastic band around a cylindrical thing. I bought it around 1979.

There are much, much better capos available today.

 

[jeremy]

there are. but if you are just using it to adjust action, then i wouldnt waste the money. you just need something to push the strings down so they rest on the first fret. if you use a capo for live performance, then there are better options out there for sure. for home use, what you have is just fine.

 

[beaubrummels]

I use a Shubb and put it right on the fret and only tighten the pressure enough to simulate finger pressure (e.g. just enough to get clear ringing tone. Putting a capo behind the fret pulls unevenly on the strings. For setting action, it might not make a difference, but I just try to develop good habits in everything, so... yeah, like... whatever, man, that's just my opinion.

 

[LesStrat]

I’ve thought about getting a better capo, then I realize that I use one about once per year playing acoustic.