How to Use a Capo With a 12 String Guitar

The capo is a little tool guitar players use to bar the fretboard and change the key of different chord structures. It's really handy if you want to play in keys like E flat, but a few tips can help you avoid using the capo in the wrong way, especially for the 12 string guitar, where play is a little denser than on a six string.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Strengthen your fingering through practice. The 12 string is generally a little harder on the action of the strings than another kind of guitar; you'll feel it in your fingers when you first start playing. A capo can make the action even harder as it bars strings higher and makes them slightly more tense. Make sure your fingers are up to speed for playing capo chords.

2. Get your capo properly situated. The capo goes on your fretboard IN BETWEEN two frets, not ON a fret. You'll notice if it's on wrong, the sound will buzz and won't be clear.

3. Know where to place the capo for a certain key. Wherever the note is on the low E string where you place the capo, that's where the key is. First fret equals F, second fret equals the key of F sharp, and so on.

4. Loosen up on your capo, do not force it. If it's closing too tight on the guitar neck, loosen it up again and check for anything that might be intruding on the clip.

5. Expect a different sound for capo chords. Guitar experts call the capo sound a "higher" sound, it's more treble, and often a little brassy. Listen for this, especially when you have the capo at a higher fret level.