CAPO
CREATING THE PERFECT ACOUSTIC SERVICE
Have you ever just wanted to change things using “ A-shapes ” may be too close up a bit ? Want to create a different , more sonically . I would recommend the intimate atmosphere for worship ? Recently , we second guitar using the Short-Cut had an Acoustic Service and it was incredibly capo at fret 5 ( with full capo at fret well received . I ’ m already planning when we ’ ll 3 ) or simply play with “ G-shapes ” have the next one . With all the click-tracks , with a full capo at fret 5 . Both backing-tracks , and other fillers , it ’ s easy to examples would be in the key of get stuck in a rut of expectation , and having a “ C .” fresh presentation can breathe new life in to a congregation ’ s worship experience . We setup How would you bring in a third with two acoustics , a bass , and a cajon . Next acoustic guitar ? time , we are planning to use three acoustics Great question ! Expecting that with the bass and drums . you don ’ t have a baritone acoustic ( which would be cool , but that will be another For years , at conferences , I ’ ve encouraged article ), a 12-string can be a nice touch , musicians to use capos to “ separate ” acoustic however , I personally prefer the sound of a sixstring . Have you ever tried Nashville tuning ? guitars sonically when there are two or more acoustics sharing the platform . It ’ s important It ’ s also called playing “ high-strung .” This is the to remember two basic technique of playing rules about the sixstring capo : 1 ) Capos Change the Pitch and 2 ) Capos Change the Voicing . Changing the pitch means you ’ d play one chord shape at a variety of capo positions and the pitch rises as you capo up the fretboard . Changing the voicing means that you ’ d be playing a particular chord or key and , with the correct capo placement , you ’ ll play that same key using a different chord shape .
It ’ s important to remember two basic rules about the six-string capo : 1 ) Capos Change the Pitch and 2 ) Capos Change the Voicing . with the 3 , 4 , 5 , and 6 strings all tuned UP an octave . You ’ ll need to either purchase a set of strings that are gauged for this or creating your own . A standard High- Strung set would be something like . 010 ( high E ), . 014 ( B ), . 009 ( G ), . 012 ( D ), . 018 ( A ), and . 027 ( E ). Playing a guitar tuned with Nashville tuning will give a fantastic mandolin-type effect that can really cut through the other Examples : 1 ) Play an “ E ” shape at Capo-3 and guitars . Adding a capo and / or a Short-Cut you ’ ll be hearing a “ G ” chord . 2 ) Play an “ E ” capo to the Nashville tuning only increases the chord open , then play an “ E ” by playing Capo-2 options and possibilities . “ D-shape ,” or Capo-4 “ C-shape .”
Once you play around with re-voicing some So , here ’ s an example : One of our church ’ s songs using a six-string capo and / or the Shortfavorite songs is Hillsong ’ s “ This I Believe .” We Cut capo , as well as adding in new voicings with play it in the key of “ C .” With two acoustics , Nashville tuning , I believe you ’ ll hear elements having one play open in standard tuning is fine , that you ’ d like to bring into your standard but having the second guitar playing Capo-3 Sunday morning sets . Several issues ago , I
wrote an article about recording guitar layers to add to your click tracks as enhancements . I want to encourage you to look for that article and then apply that idea with Nashville tuning as well . The goal is to widen the musical pallet , not to muddy it . That ’ s why it ’ s important to separate , using a variety of capo positions , and not play too close together sonically .
One thing I did not mention is that in putting together an acoustic service , using capos and Nashville tuning can create great textures , while
too much strumming can ruin them . Make sure each guitar has an understood job to do , a specific thing to play . For instance , have one guitar playing melodies and lead lines while one is playing a more controlling rhythm and the third can play a “ supporting ” rhythm ( like just a simple strum ). Again , all this is just to make sure that the music does not get muddy and that it translates well for the congregation . All roles on the platform need to be defined .
MITCH BOHANNON Developed the Short-Cut Capo for Kyser . Worship leader in Louisiana . Married to his beautiful wife , Noelle , for 23 years and they have three awesome kids !
28 Jan � Feb 2017 WorshipMusician . com