How to Capo a Fret on an Acoustic Guitar

A capo is a guitar accessory that clamps across the strings on the fingerboard to make the overall pitch higher. It makes it easier to play in different keys. A capo raises the guitar's pitch a half step at each fret. The open strings are G, F, E, D, C, B, and A. When the capo is applied to the first fret the strings become G-sharp, F-sharp F, E-flat, C-sharp C and B-flat.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a capo style. There are many styles to choose from and most of them work fairly well. Clamp varieties only require one hand to put in place. Other styles are held to the fret board by and elastic band, and others have a screw mechanism to secure them.

2. Select a capo that is appropriate for your kind of guitar. Nylon string classical guitars have flat fret boards that are considerably wider than those of steel-string acoustic guitars. The fret boards of the steel string acoustics are also slightly curved. Make sure the capo you use fits on your guitar's fret board.

3. Place the capo just behind the fret, which is to say the side of the fret toward the head of the guitar. Tighten it into place.

4. Play the strings and see if they are in tune. If the strings sound way out of tune, the capo may be too tight and stretching the strings more than necessary.

5. Notice if there is any buzzing. If the strings buzz, the capo may be too loose or it may be too far from the fret.

6. Listen to the tone quality. If the strings sound dull and lifeless, the capo may be actually on top of the fret rather than just behind it.

7. Readjust the capo tension and position if necessary until the strings resonate well and play in tune. This is how you want to place your capo.