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An Introduction to Using Partial Capos

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A Quick and Easy Way to Change Your Guitar Tuning

As a guitar player, if you don't already use one, you probably have at least heard of a capo or seen someone use one - the small clamp that goes across the strings to raise the key. It can really help if you want to be able to sing a song in a higher key but not have to learn a new set of fingerings. Just slide the capo up the neck and play the song the way you did before!

A partial capo adds another element to the mix. Since partial capos only cover certain strings, you can quickly alter the guitar voicing altogether to get some really cool sounds. Even more advanced players will use a partial capo on top of an altered tuning, but there is so much you can get out of using a partial capo even if you are a beginning player.

Contents at a Glance

My Partial Capo Story
A Regular 6-String Capo
The Kyser Short-Cut Capo
The Simplest Short-Cut Capo Trick
An Easy Introduction to Using a Partial...
Next Steps

When I first saw Justin Roth using partial capos at Rocky Mountain Song School in 2008 I had two thoughts, 1. What IS that? and 2. That sounds cool!

I bought a short-cut capo right away but didn't have time to take a lesson. I already knew how to use my regular capo and I figured it wouldn't be too hard. Unfortunately, I missed out on a few important points and any time I tried to use it, the sounds that came out were pretty awful, so the partial capo mostly sat in my guitar case for a year.

The next year I went back and signed up for a mentoring session with Justin. Of all the tricks he told me, the most important and simple point that let me really jump into using the short-cut capo on my own was to start out with putting it on the second fret. Then if I wanted to move further up the neck I just had to put the full capo on two frets behind it.

With no other theory or real knowledge of the fretboard, I was able to start playing around, using the same normal chord fingerings that I already knew, and write some new songs. Now when I go out to open mics, people know me for my capos!

A Regular 6-String Capo

This is one example of a standard capo. It clamps across all 6 strings of a guitar and allows you to raise the key of any song but still use the same fingerings.

Kyser 6-String Capo, Silver

Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 05/28/2012)

The Kyser Short-Cut Capo

The Short-Cut Capo only holds down 3 strings. You can clamp from the top or the bottom to get different voicings.

Kyser Short-Cut Capo

Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 05/28/2012)

The Simplest Short-Cut Capo Trick

Start by putting the Short-Cut Capo on the second fret. Play the same chord shapes you already know!

You can move the partial capo up the neck and continue using the same chord shapes as long as you put a full capo on two frets behind it.

An Easy Introduction to Using a Partial Capo

Get started in just five minutes with this video!

Randall Williams shows you that there is no reason to be intimidated by partial capos.

Next Steps

Now that you've got the hang of it, try putting the Short-Cut Capo by itself on fret 4 or 7!

Also try making chords with just one or two fingers. Use your ears and experiment with what sounds good to you.

Partial Capo Resources

The beauty of the partial capo is you can get a lot of mileage quickly without much music theory knowledge. But for those who want to dive deeper into the possibilities of altered tunings, there is a whole world of options and ideas! Here are just a few sites that can help you expand your partial capo techniques.

Partial Capo Page on Facebook: Facebook profile dedicated to partial capos and showcasing musicians who use them.
Partialcapo.net: Free video lessons and tutorials, introductory facts, books, tips and more.
Partialcapo.com: Extensive resource page on partial capos, with books, tips, comparisons and reviews

Musicians Who Use Partial Capos

Watch and listen to the magic of partial capos in action!

Songs Using Partial Capos

If you loved the songs you can have them to listen to anytime!

Track	Artist	Album
Trembling Like A Train	Justin Roth	Now You Know	$ 0.99 Preview
Every Time I Go	Sarah Sample	Someday, Someday	$ 0.99 Preview
Dog Days	Amy Speace	The Killer In Me	$ 0.99 Preview
Stronger for Your Flame	Randall Williams	Praying for Land	$ 0.99 Preview
Come Home	Bill Nash	Runs With Scissors - Digital Version	$ 0.99 Preview

Try a New Tuning!

Buy a new capo or two and start experimenting with new sounds

Because once you get addicted to how fun and easy it is, it's hard to stop!

The Great Capo Debate

Capo use can divide guitar players in two camps, those who love them and those who think it's cheating. Sound off here, what do you think?

Are you for or against capo use?

Capos are Cool! I like the way it sounds and how easy it is to play right away!

collettehrock says:

I say that if it makes the right sound I don't see why it should be a problem

NorDac says:

I like capos to adjust the key to be more comfortable for singing. I've never heard of or tried a partial though, I'm going to have to look one up and try it.

cffutah says:

beautiful to hear and watch.

GonnaFly says:

Okay. So maybe it's cheating but I really don't like playing E flat, so I just put the capo on and transpose in my head. Sounds much better than trying to play E flat!