Since a bass guitar is really a guitar, the use of capos is same. By using a capo, the bassist can quickly and easily adjust the pitch of their instrument to match the key of the track, allowing them to play along seamlessly. Do bassists use capos?Īlthough capos are primarily used on guitars, they can also be used on bass guitars. To perform in a higher key or a different key without having to relearn the fingerings for the songs being played is a common reason for some bassists to utilize capos on a regular basis.įor example, by attaching a capo to the neck of the bass at a specific fret, the bassist can raise the pitch of the strings, allowing them to play the song in a lower key without having to transpose the music.Īnother situation in which a bassist might use a capo is if they are playing along with a pre-recorded track that was recorded in a different key. They are a useful tool for guitarists of all levels and can add a new level of flexibility and versatility to a home recording setup. The guitarist can then play the guitar as usual, with the capo effectively acting as a new nut (the piece at the end of the neck that holds the strings in place) at the chosen fret.Ĭapos come in a variety of styles and designs and can be used on any type of guitar with a standard set of frets. This compresses the strings against the fret, effectively shortening the length of the strings and raising their pitch.

To use a capo, the guitarist simply places it on the neck of the guitar at the desired fret, and then tightens the capo in place using a clamp or other mechanism. There are several situations in which this might be helpful, such as when a guitarist wants to perform a song in a key that better suits their voice range or when trying to match the key of an existing recording. A capo is a device that is attached to the neck of a guitar, at a specific fret. It raises the pitch of the guitar’s strings, allowing the player to play in a different key.

Whats a capo