Why use a capo?

[Plessure]

Re: Why use a capo?

The capo is routinely used on the first fret in order to avoid open strings ringing out and thus achieve a consistent tone.

It's the closest you get to a zero fret without a zero fret.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Why use a capo?

The capo is routinely used on the first fret in order to avoid open strings ringing out and thus achieve a consistent tone.

It's the closest you get to a zero fret without a zero fret.

If that’s how you use it...fine. Keep right on doing that.

But I don’t know anyone who uses it for that purpose.

I sure don’t.

I rarely use one on electric but use one on my acoustics half the time or more.

Sometimes so I can play cowboy chords in a higher key that fits my voice or the vocalist I’m accompanying better.

Sometimes because a song I’ve written in open G or D just sounds better capoed up three frets to B flat or F or whatever.