The British Steelies Society

Any thoughts on using capos like the Beard Wave?

I know one possible answer is "don't use a capo, just learn to play instead". But I do like to use open strings for blues, so Id like to be able to change key without re-tuning

If it's for a Dobro square neck model I have found the Shubb Capo works best. It clamps to the neck and seems to not interfere with the tone too much . In my limited experience the 2 floating type capo's i owned did have an adverse effect on the tone of any Dobro I have ever owned. However some modern resonator guitars do have thicker necks than the old OMI Dobros and the shubb won't fit onto these.

I prefer not to use a capo because every key has it's own sound with interesting chords using open strings along with barred chords...for me that's the fun thing about playing Dobro's...finding out new sounds and possibilities by getting away from the open G sound......but sometimes you can't get away from using a Capo. The key of C# is a perfect example.

My homemade electric lap steel is too thick even for a squareneck dobro capo. Looks like my options are one of the floating ones (and accept the tonal limitations), or else some sort of DIY arrangement.
In an ideal world I wouldn't use a capo on my non-lap guitars either, but they are just so handy !

Your first statement is correct. Don't waste your time using a capo. It's entirely unnecessary.

Ditto. Lots of open strings available in quite a few keys, and by not using capo you can find "new" licks, instead of playing the same things in different keys.

As a useless player who is striving to master even the rudiments, I am amazed that more members haven't jumped in with more valuable advice. I agree with those against the use of the capo, because listening to those players of guitars of all persuassions who do use them, their playing is restricted in the chord shapes useable and as Tony has stated lack of imaginative riffs. Expediency isn't always the best way.
Come on you better players help us with some tangible pics of chord shapes and barring to explain to us of lesser talent how it could, should or would be done. The more thoughts and pics on this subject would be really useful.

Winerider
AKA Maurice with two left feet no coordination but a willing maker of peculiar sounds.

Seem's you are trying to find an easy way round learning, there is'nt one, sorry to repeat what most players are saying, learn to play open neck like the early steel players,i.e.Hank Williams on down to befor they invented pedals, they had to go for it, and by putting a capo on, you loose all thoe's bottom rich notes and it starts to sound a bit thin.

I take your points. Been practicing scales/riffs up the neck, making some progress.

Check my site out .

Tips

Learn the notes on your fretboard.
Try using a versatile tuning. Check my site for details. More strings make sit easier. I play a custom 12 string and can play any chords I want.

All Majors, Minors, Dominants, Dimished etc.

Name a chord and I can play it. Just ask.learning the notes are it.
Also Playing with open strings is not necessary initially. Learn all your chords in a bar position. Then you can transpose it to any key desired.