TUNING IN
[ MULTIPLE CAPOS AND DRONING NOTES | Mitch Bohannon ]
Playing an open tuning like DADGAD leans Playing in standard position, with the Short- configuration you have is E/C#/D/B/C#/F#. We
heavily upon incorporating droning notes… Cut capo on the 2nd fret, adding the droning have retained the root note in the bass with the
notes that ring constant through most or all notes from the open “E” and open “B” strings is “E” string remaining open. Now, to match the
of the chord shapes. They create a pad-like pretty natural to playing in the key of “E” or “A.” key of “E” being 4-frets up the neck, we’ll need
resonance underneath the musical patterns. Talking in Nashville Number System in regard to to use chord shapes from the key of “C” (see
Being that playing guitar with the Short-Cut the droning notes: String one (E) is an octave to chord diagrams).
capo creates DADGAD up a full step (EBEABE), string six and is the 1 of the key. So, looking at this technique also centers around droning it by chord… to the “E” chord it is the 1; to the We’re still playing in the key of “E” (chords E,
notes, but with much easier to learn chord “B” chord it is the 4(sus); to the “A” chord it is B, A, F#m, and C#m), but we can now more
shapes. the 5; to the “F#m” chord it is the 7; and to the easily play the “G#m” chord. Because of the
“C#m” chord it is the 3. String two (B) in regard fingerings, the main droning note we now have
I’ve often said that playing with the Short-Cut to the same chords… to the “E” chord it is the is the 1st string at the 2nd fret which is an “F#”
capo is not for every single song. We need to 5; to the “B” chord it is the 1; to the “A” chord it note. Looking at it in the same way as above…
make sure that we are serving the song well is the 2; to the “F#m” chord it is the 4(sus); and to the “E” it is a 2; to the “A” it is a 6; to the “B” it
when we play. What if the note(s) that are to the “C#m” chord it is the 7. is a 5; to the “F#m” it is the 1; to the “C#m” it is
a 4(sus); and to the “G#m” it is the 7. It creates
droning are not the notes we want highlighted
in our progression?
Here’s a way to incorporate a different droning a different feel when the droning note comes
note in the key of “E” which could fit a variety of from one of the minor chords of the key!
A quick review of the Short-Cut capo: 1. The different songs or playing styles… or could be capo covers strings 3/4/5; 2. It forms an “Esus” a creativity catalyst that helps in writing a new So, get your guitar tuned up and your capos
chord by itself; 3. Strings 1 (E) and 2 (B) are song! Place a Drop-D capo on fret 2. This capo on. Gently strum and pick through the shapes
open and droning through most chord shapes; covers all strings except the 6th string (Low-E). shown and listen to the new variations in these
4. The chord shapes used are modified from If you don’t have a specific Drop-D capo, place chords. Then, try some of the tricks that you do
playing in the key of “D” (D, A, G, Bm) and the your normal capo on from the bottom and don’t with those chord shapes… maybe hammer-ons
key of “G” (G, C, D, Em)… and because we’re cover the bass string. Next, place the Short- or pull-offs or slides. You’ll quickly find things
playing a full-step up, these are now the keys Cut capo in what would be standard position (2 that work and rule out things that don’t. It just
of “E” and “A.” frets) in front of the Drop-D capo. Now, the note may be an answer that you’ve been looking for!
44 August 2017
WorshipMusician.com