Australian acoustic guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel has shared his expert method for applying a capo, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining accurate guitar tuning, especially during live performances. Emmanuel, known for his intricate playing style that often includes percussive elements and mid-song capo adjustments, highlighted the common pitfalls that can lead to tuning issues when using this essential guitar accessory.

The Importance of Proper Capo Application

According to Emmanuel, ensuring a guitar is in tune is paramount for any musician, particularly on stage. He explained in an interview that incorrectly placing a capo can easily pull the strings out of tune, disrupting the instrument’s intonation. “You’ve got to be in tune. Every time you put the capo on wrong, you are going to pull the guitar out of tune,” he stated. This is especially critical for players like Emmanuel, who frequently attach and remove their capos mid-performance to achieve different tonal colors and voicings within a single song. His rendition of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” is cited as an example where such dynamic capo use is integral to the arrangement.

The fundamental challenge with capos lies in the additional pressure they exert on the strings. When this pressure is uneven, it can cause the strings to stretch or bend, resulting in a noticeable detuning effect. This is a common frustration for guitarists, and Emmanuel’s technique aims to mitigate this problem effectively.

Emmanuel’s Recommended Capo Technique

For demonstrations, Emmanuel utilizes a Kyber-style capo featuring top-mounted levers, a design he finds particularly helpful for the swift changes required during performances. He began by explaining the inherent spring mechanism in most capos. “The capo has a spring in it, so it’s going to push down on the strings a little bit,” he noted.

To achieve the most accurate placement and minimize tuning disruption, Emmanuel advises the following steps:

• Angle the Guitar: Position the guitar at a slight angle, leaning it gently against your knee so the neck is slightly flatter. This altered angle can provide better visibility and access to the desired fret.
• Visual Alignment: Look down at the specific fret where you intend to place the capo. Precise visual alignment is key.
• Apply and Seat the Capo: Squeeze the capo’s mechanism to open it, then carefully drop it onto the strings at the chosen fret. The goal is to feel the capo settle flat against the fretboard and strings.
• Equalize String Pressure: Once the capo is in place, use the palm of your right hand to gently press down on the strings just behind the capo. This action helps ensure that all strings are subjected to consistent and even pressure from the capo, which is vital for maintaining their original pitch.

This final step of palm-muting or pressing down on the strings is crucial. It counteracts the tendency of the capo’s tension to pull the strings sharp or flat by ensuring they are all uniformly compressed against the fret. This method helps preserve the guitar’s tuning, allowing for cleaner chords and melodies even when using a capo or changing its position.

Benefits of Mastering Capo Technique

Mastering this technique offers several advantages for guitarists:

• Improved Tuning Stability: Significantly reduces the likelihood of the guitar going out of tune when a capo is applied or adjusted.
• Enhanced Performance Quality: Ensures that notes and chords ring out clearly and in pitch, leading to a more professional and pleasing sound, especially in live settings.
• Greater Playing Freedom: Enables musicians to experiment more confidently with different keys and voicings, including mid-song capo changes, without constant worry about intonation.
• Simplified Setup: While it requires a slight adjustment in routine, the technique ultimately simplifies the process by preventing the need for frequent retuning.

By adopting Emmanuel’s methodical approach, guitarists can enhance their playing experience and the overall quality of their music. The seemingly small detail of how a capo is applied can have a profound impact on the instrument’s sound and the performer’s confidence.

Conclusion

Tommy Emmanuel’s advice underscores the importance of attention to detail in musical performance. His straightforward yet effective method for applying a capo provides a practical solution to a common problem faced by guitarists worldwide. By angling the guitar, carefully positioning the capo, and equalizing string pressure with the palm, players can ensure their instrument remains in tune, allowing their music to shine without the distraction of intonation issues. This technique is a valuable addition to any guitarist’s toolkit, particularly for those who frequently use a capo in their playing.