Why Do People Put a Capo Behind the Nut? Unpacking This Uncommon Guitar Technique
If you've ever watched a guitarist play, you might have noticed them doing all sorts of interesting things with their instrument. One of those less common, but still occasionally seen, techniques involves placing a capo not on the fretboard, but behind the nut. This might seem like a strange choice at first glance, but there are specific musical reasons why a guitarist might opt for this particular setup.
What Exactly is a Capo and the Nut?
Before we dive into why someone would put a capo behind the nut, let's clarify what these two parts of the guitar are:
- The Nut: This is the small strip of material (often bone, plastic, or graphite) located at the very top of the fretboard, where it meets the headstock. The strings rest in grooves on the nut, which determines the spacing and the vibrating length of the open strings.
- A Capo: A capo (short for "capotasto," Italian for "head of the fretboard") is a device that clamps onto the fretboard, effectively shortening the length of the strings. This raises the pitch of all the open strings simultaneously, allowing you to play in a different key without changing your fingerings.
The Conventional Use of a Capo
Typically, guitarists use a capo on the fretboard to easily transpose songs into different keys. For example, if a song is written in G major but you want to play it in A major, you would place a capo on the second fret. This makes the open strings sound a whole step higher, and your G major chord shapes now sound like A major chords.
So, Why Put a Capo Behind the Nut?
Placing a capo behind the nut is a much less common practice than using it on the fretboard, and it serves a very specific, niche purpose: to create a "broken" or altered tuning for certain open strings while keeping others at their standard pitch.
Here's a breakdown of the primary reasons:
1. Achieving Unique Open String Tunings for Specific Songs
Many songs, especially in folk, blues, and some rock genres, are written with non-standard open tunings (like DADGAD, Open G, or Open C). These tunings create a resonant, full sound and can make certain chords easier to play or sound more interesting. Sometimes, a guitarist might want to use one of these open tunings for a particular song but doesn't want to retune their entire guitar, especially if they need to switch back to standard tuning quickly.
How it works: By placing a capo behind the nut, you are essentially "capping off" the strings at that point. The strings are now shorter between the nut and the capo. This means that when you strum the open strings (without fretting anything), they will ring out at a higher pitch, determined by the position of the capo. The strings that are not under the capo remain at their standard pitch.
Example: Imagine you want to play a song that uses an Open G tuning (DGDGBD) but your guitar is in standard tuning (EADGBE). If you place a capo behind the nut on the second fret, and you only want to alter the lowest two strings to achieve a similar effect:
- Your low E string (which is the 6th string) would be capped at the second fret, making it sound like an F#.
- Your A string (the 5th string) would be capped at the second fret, making it sound like a B.
- The other strings (D, G, B, E) would remain at their standard pitch.
This creates a hybrid tuning where some strings are altered, and others are not, leading to a unique sonic landscape. The guitarist would then play chords and melodies, keeping in mind which strings are now effectively at a different pitch.
2. Creating a "Drop Tuning" Effect on Specific Strings
While not as common as using a capo for raising pitch, a capo behind the nut can be used to effectively create a "drop tuning" for one or more strings in a very specific way, or to achieve a sound that's impossible with standard tuning and fretting alone. For instance, if you need a specific open string note that's lower than its standard tuning, and you want to keep the rest of the guitar at standard tuning, this technique becomes relevant.
3. Experimentation and Sonic Exploration
For some adventurous musicians, placing a capo behind the nut is simply a tool for sonic experimentation. It allows them to discover new chord voicings, melodic possibilities, and unique textures that are not easily accessible through conventional tuning methods. It's a way to break free from the predictable and explore uncharted sonic territory.
Important Considerations When Using a Capo Behind the Nut:
- Tension: Be mindful of the capo's pressure. Too much pressure can damage the nut or strings.
- Intonation: This setup can sometimes affect the intonation (the accuracy of the notes up the fretboard). You might need to make minor adjustments.
- String Breakage: Experiment with caution. While less likely than extreme tuning changes, there's always a small risk of string breakage when altering string tension in unusual ways.
- Not a Replacement for True Open Tunings: While it can mimic some aspects, it's not a direct replacement for a full guitar retune. The full resonance and harmonic relationships of a true open tuning might not be perfectly replicated.
In conclusion, while using a capo behind the nut is a less common technique, it offers guitarists a creative avenue to achieve specific, often non-standard, open string tunings without having to retune their entire instrument. It's a tool for the guitarist who wants to explore unique sonic palettes and add a special flavor to their music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How does placing a capo behind the nut affect the sound?
When you place a capo behind the nut, it shortens the vibrating length of the strings from the nut up to the capo. This effectively raises the pitch of those capped strings. The strings that are not under the capo will continue to ring at their standard pitch. This creates a unique, hybrid tuning where some strings are at a higher pitch than usual, while others remain at their standard tuning, leading to a distinct sonic character and new chord voicings.
Q2: Why wouldn't a guitarist just retune their guitar instead?
Retuning an entire guitar can be time-consuming, especially if a song requires frequent tuning changes or if the guitarist needs to switch between standard tuning and a specific open tuning quickly during a performance. Using a capo behind the nut offers a faster way to achieve some altered string pitches for a particular song or passage without the hassle of a full retune. It's a practical solution for specific musical situations.
Q3: Can I use any type of capo for this technique?
Generally, you can use most types of capos for this purpose, including strap capos, trigger capos, and screw-tightened capos. However, the effectiveness and ease of use might vary. Some capos are designed to fit more snugly and apply even pressure, which can be beneficial. It's important to ensure the capo you use can apply enough pressure to securely hold the strings at the desired point without slipping or damaging the nut.
Q4: Will this damage my guitar?
Using a capo behind the nut, when done correctly and with reasonable pressure, is generally not harmful to your guitar. However, applying excessive force can potentially damage the nut, the neck, or the strings. It's always advisable to use the capo with moderate pressure and to remove it when not in use. If you're unsure, consult a guitar technician or experienced player.
