[Nem]

i know of quite a few songs which require some big stretches which, although I can play, are quite difficult

using a capo to make the key higher, therefore reducing the distance between frets as you move up the neck, this would make those chords easier as you have to stretch less. so in this situation, would you consider using a capo cheating?

[Lcjones]

"I'm not sure what would be the benefit of all that trouble, if you play in the same pitch again, then why using capo at all?"

It's really no trouble at all.

There are a few reasons to do so. For example, in this thread.

As well, I use the capo to harmonize guitars. Frequently.

And on another note, let's say you're a solo singer/artist and your "home" or "base" singing key is in E. If gets to be pretty boring guitar if you sing and play at one pitch. Having and using the capo allows you to change the tone of your guitar, while keeping your song in the same pitch. Infinitely more interesting.

Les

[namiguShin]

I'm not sure if we understood each other, Les...

Originally Posted by lcjones

It's really no trouble at all.

I think it is trouble, because vee said that he puts the capo on e.g. 2nd fret, and lowers the tuning one step down... That way you change the tuning, you probably should adjust the truss rod, and put a capo to get everything to be the same as when you left...

Originally Posted by lcjones

There are a few reasons to do so. For example, in this thread.

As well, I use the capo to harmonize guitars. Frequently.

And on another note, let's say you're a solo singer/artist and your "home" or "base" singing key is in E. If gets to be pretty boring guitar if you sing and play at one pitch. Having and using the capo allows you to change the tone of your guitar, while keeping your song in the same pitch. Infinitely more interesting.

Les

I think you're talking about playing same chords with diferent chord shapes... I can see clearly the benefit of that...

Can you please tell me what is "guitar harmonizing"?

And please, plz, plz, correct me if I'd got somthing wrong here... I'm pretty sure that vee's method get's you nowhere, except maybe easier stretches... I would realy like to know if there's more to it... Maybe if you give me more detailed example? Please...

[Lcjones]

I still don't see that tuning down a full step and capoing to be trouble at all. And I certainly do not see using the capo for any reason as cheating on any level. That is like asserting that playing open tunings to achieve fluid tones to be cheating over trying to find the sames tones in standard tuning.

If you can chord easier by tuning down and using a capo on an upper fret and retain the same Key, what difference does it make? You're tuning the guitar anyway. There are many pro players who do this. If there is any trouble to be found, as you mention, it would be a truss rod/intonation adjustment to compensate for less tension on the neck. And in my mind, that would be only for those guitars that have a weak neck system to begin with.

Although I don't tune down a full step except on occasion, I do tune down a half step and capo up on all of my 12 strings. It's really no trouble at all. I do tune down a full step on some Neil Young songs just so I can hit those vice grip hi notes.

Guitar harmonizing .....

For example, standard tuning, key of E. One guitar plays the standard E, another guitar capo's up to 2nd fret or another fret for that matter, find your key of E in that capo'd fret. While it's the same key there are different notes being played which creates the harmony effect. Very effective.

Les

[dougp23]

Being very new to guitar playing, one of the first songs I was introduced to by my guitar teacher was James Blunt "You're Beautiful". He uses a capo on this song. If it's good enough for a pro.... ;-)