U2start.com | U2 & Guitar Gear: Q & A

Originally posted by vanquish:Guys, noob question - a capo only changes the sound of the open strings correct? It doesn't change the sound of anything else.

I don't have one and so was wondering if I can play a song that needs one by just playing fretted notes for the open strings. Eg. if the song had a capo at the first fret, instead of playing the open string specified in the tab (when using a capo) I would just play the same string on the first fret instead?

I would think so for the most part, unless you're playing certain chords where playing a fretted note would be too far of a stretch for your hand. I just started playing in January so I'm not 100% about this.

NLOTH_Victor

14 years

Originally posted by vanquish:Guys, noob question - a capo only changes the sound of the open strings correct? It doesn't change the sound of anything else.

I don't have one and so was wondering if I can play a song that needs one by just playing fretted notes for the open strings. Eg. if the song had a capo at the first fret, instead of playing the open string specified in the tab (when using a capo) I would just play the same string on the first fret instead?

What I´d do is just play like there was no need of a capo... it would be in a different key but still is fun

WojBhoy

14 years

Originally posted by vanquish:Guys, noob question - a capo only changes the sound of the open strings correct? It doesn't change the sound of anything else.

I don't have one and so was wondering if I can play a song that needs one by just playing fretted notes for the open strings. Eg. if the song had a capo at the first fret, instead of playing the open string specified in the tab (when using a capo) I would just play the same string on the first fret instead?

Essentially, yeah - it's as if you're tightening the strings to make open strings higher. I can't say about tab stuff because I haven't used tabs in years (in fact, hardly ever)

vanquish

14 years

Originally posted by NLOTH_Victor:[..]

What I´d do is just play like there was no need of a capo... it would be in a different key but still is fun

That wouldn't work, as the fretted notes and the open strings when played would be in two different keys.

Originally posted by WojBhoy:[..]
Essentially, yeah - it's as if you're tightening the strings to make open strings higher. I can't say about tab stuff because I haven't used tabs in years (in fact, hardly ever)

Yea, it's way to early for me to start playing by ear - I hardly have time to practise let alone try and decipher music into notes & chords to play.

NLOTH_Victor

14 years

Originally posted by vanquish:[..]

That wouldn't work, as the fretted notes and the open strings when played would be in two different keys.

I think I wasn´t clear... what I do is just transpose the tab... if the note was played on the second fret from the capo, i just play it like it was on the second fret without a capo. i keep the same difference in between the notes but i change the key to play it without a capo!

vanquish

14 years

Originally posted by NLOTH_Victor:[..]

I think I wasn´t clear... what I do is just transpose the tab... if the note was played on the second fret from the capo, i just play it like it was on the second fret without a capo. i keep the same difference in between the notes but i change the key to play it without a capo!

Yes, that'd work. I thought you meant if you were reading a tab where it tells you to play the open string on B with a capo on 1st fret and then the 4th fret on the B string, obviously you'd have to transpose the fretted note down to keep the same key.

RattleandHum1988

14 years

Basically when you have no capo, you play an E chord on the first and second frets. If you had a capo on teh first fret, you'd play the e chord a fret higher to make up for the change in pitch, so it would be on the 2nd and 3rd frets. Just compare tabs for the album version of End Of The World to the live version. Album version = no capo, main riff is played with an E power chord in the regular E power chord position (9th fret), live Edge throws a capo on the 3rd fret (my guess is so its easier for Bono to sing - he hates singing in E) to raise the pitch, and the main riff is played on the 12th fret. E power chord but 3 frets higher.

Hope that helps.

LikeASong

14 years

That is some seriously awesome bass guitar, man. I have officially fallen in love

anstratdubh1979

14 years

For those looking for lots of Edge tones in one unit and have heard about the Axe FX, this could be your time to get on board.

They are introducing the Axe FX II. Price on the Axe FX II is $2199.

http://www.sonicstate.com/amped/2011/05/09/fractal-audio-announces-axe-fx-ii/

and

http://www.fractalaudio.com/products-fas-axe-fx-ii-2.html

This means that there are some that will be dumping Axe FX and Axe FX Ultra's on eBay as they want to upgrade to the Axe FX II.

You might be able to get a decent deal on one. Just thought I'd share.

anstratdubh1979

14 years

Adam rocking the Candy Apple Red "Reverso" in Mexico City tonight. (May 11, 2911)