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