Using a Guitar Capo & Slide

Using a Capo is a great way to raise the pitch of the guitar without having to use the tuning machines to tighten the strings. In standard tuning (A440) from the thickest string to the thinnest string, we have E, A, D, G, B, E as our notes in the open position. When a Capo is placed on the first fret the notes are raised by one-half step/one semitone to F, A#, D#, G#, C, F.

Raising the pitch another half step/semitone by placing the Capo on the second fret now gives us the notes F#, B, E, A, C#, F#. This same principle continues all the way up the fretboard, because the higher you place the Capo on the fretboard of the guitar the more the pitch is raised, and once you arrive at the twelfth fret you have reached the octaves for notes E, A, D, G, B, E. At the twelfth fret everything repeats in a higher register.

The Capo in a sense replaces the nut and adjustments have to be made where playing chords are concerned. In the open position G Major, C Major and D Major can be played with the ring finger holding down the root note of these chords on the sixth, fifth and second strings of the third fret. However, if the Capo is placed on the second fret the same fingerings can no longer be used for these chords, so the next closest option for playing G Major and C Major would be a standing, full or half Barre fingering.

Where D Major is concerned the same fingering that was previously used to play C Major with the ring finger holding down C on the fifth string third fret, which gives us open notes in the C Major chord moves up to the fifth string fifth fret, and a D Major chord can now be played.

While there are different types of Capos out there to choose from including those that are quick release I really don’t have a preferred Capo per-say, but unless one plans on heavily utilizing a capo then the ones with a strap that fastens around the guitar neck are sufficient.

AN ILLUSTRATION TO SHOW HOW THE PITCH CHANGES
AS THE CAPO MOVES UP THE FRETBOARD

Then there is the slide. If you’ve ever passively heard or actively listened to any blues, blues rock or country music then chances are that at some point in time you have likely come across songs where the guitarist is utilizing a slide.

There are two types of slides out there to choose from and they come in different lengths and sizes. The glass slide and the metal slide are both great tools to have in your guitar case, but there is a little bit of a difference in the way they sound on the fretboard.

Personally, I like the flexibility of having both the glass and metal slides available as both are unique in and of themselves where sound and feel are concerned. It does take a bit of time to become comfortable with having a slide on your finger and to learn how to use it, but once you do, it can really add to the versatility of your playing.

Admittedly, the using of a slide is not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s fine, but many great guitarists have used a slide very effectively in their music and created some really cool sounding guitar riffs with it.

Here is a quick video lesson to introduce you to both the capo and the slide ...