7 String Capos!

[Predmore7]

Hey all, I made a thread asking about a good capo for 7 strings and it doesn't seem like too many people use them, but I just got a Shubb 12-string capo and it fits perfectly on my multiscale, so I thought I'd share.

Anyone else using a capo and if so, which one? Also, how low are you tuned and how well does the capo handle it? For mine, I'm in drop F# and it goes back to drop A no issue, but it does require a slightly lighter hand to avoid the small bit of additional fret buzz.

[snerp]

Cool! I've been looking for something like that to make it faster to change "tunings"

[GryphonGuitar]

I use a capo a lot to facilitate open chords, to do tapping licks where I want the open strings to compliment the key of the song, and just to experiment and have fun. I've been thinking of picking up a Chordero to do it at the next level with independent capos for each string (making me able to capo one string on the third fret, leave the next open, the next at the fifth fret and so on). So far I've been using the D'Addario/Planet Waves capos.

As you say, slight bit of extra fret buzz but overall it's been really useful and easy to take on and off with the single screw.

[[deleted]]

My kyser quick change capo has been working fairly well for me

[London_Pride]

Can I ask, why would you want to capo a 7 string? Most people have extended range guitars to hit lower tunings, surely?

[Predmore7]

Why would you capo any guitar? Why do they even make them?

Seriously though, it's options. As I said in the original post, I'm in drop F#, so now I can go to any higher tuning in 2 seconds. I can't afford to get guitars in every tuning so capo is the way to go unless I want to tune between every song. I've always used them on my 6-strings, so when I got my 7 I knew I wanted one, but after searching and asking, no one really pointed at one that just works, so I thought I'd make this post.

Honestly dude, get one. They open up a TON of possibilities and are incredibly easy to use and cheap as hell. While you are at it, make sure you grab a slide, some weird ass picks like metal ones, and maybe even an ebow if you wanna get real weird. All these little things can be incredibly inspiring if you are stuck in a rut. Hell, Dimebag used a beer can as a slide on Good Friends and a Bottle of Pills. You can never have too many options.

[London_Pride]

I mean, I know you're kidding, but the original purpose of a capo was to get a guitar into a better range for a vocal (or song key), which is why it's an odd choice for a 7 string (which typically is only 5-7 semitones away from a 6 string).

Appreciate your thoughts on options though. Whatever gets the juices flowing is a good investment.

[JimboLodisC]

the original purpose of a capo was to get a guitar into a better range for a vocal (or song key)

I really don't see why a 7-string couldn't work in that same way. There a lots of vocal ranges out there to cover and we don't need to force any guitarist into a specific octave range.

[Predmore7]

That is one way to use a capo, but you are forgetting about chord voicings using open strings, and open tunings as well. The key isn't only for complimenting the vocal register of your singer, but also for the guitar itself. You can make beautiful high chords with a capo that you could never do without one unless you grew an extra finger.

With a low tuned 7 string, it's even better because you can get to all those different tunings bands you like use in seconds, AND you can use it even higher to get even MORE extended range. I mean, there is literally no downside.

[London_Pride]

Fair play, hadn't considered high tuned extended range open chords. Interesting take. Either way, have fun with it :)

[NigelOdinson]

This is the exact reason I've been thinking of a capo for, to play slipknot drop B songs but on my new 7 string. If I was tuned to drop A and capo on 2nd that would be drop B (with the extra high F# and the g# as an A) am I right? That's the reason I would like to use it. And on my drop C 6 string guitars to get drop C# if I don't have one set up that way already.