Start-Playing-Guitar.com's 'The Bridge'

Volume 2, Issue 6: Why Use A Cut Capo?

New Content on Start-Playing-Guitar.com

Tweaks, A Sneak Peek, And Your Own Web Success

I made a few tweaks to the site this month. Most of the modifications were minor, and not worth noting. There was one FAQ update that I posted to the RSS Feed, in response to an e-mail I received asking for advice on purchasing a guitar for an eight-year old.

I've been working on posting the song "God of Wonders" but I've run into problems with some video I intended to post. So, just for my newsletter and RSS readers, I'm making the mostly complete song available for preview. The information on playing the chorus and bridge are missing, but you can figure it out from the videos at the bottom of the page. Here's the pre-release page. If you take a look, let me know what you think. There's still time to make changes before the page is officially added to the site.

Thinking of starting your own web-page? Nearly 70% of all households consider starting their own business. You don't have to start with a major investment, or leave your current job. If you are a subject matter expert (and nearly everyone is), you can earn income from developing your own web-site.

I'm no expert on building web-sites... that's why I rely on Sitesell.com. Want to know more? Take a look at my newly posted page intended to help others achieve success on the web. If you act before Midnight July 6, you can take advantage of SiteSell's "Independence Day Special".

Work In Progress:

Coming soon to the web-site!

• New Songs: The final version of "God of Wonders" plus, probably, "We Bless You Jesus", a song that uses only two chords, where you don't even need to move your hands!

• Zoom H4: An in-depth review of the pocket-sized multi-track guitar/voice recorder from Zoom, the H4.

Why UseA Cut Capo

Most beginners pick up a capo within the first few months, but many aren't aware of how handy a Cut-Capo can be for months or years.

A full capo holds down all six strings, and is often used to change the key without changing chords you know. A cut capo is used to hold down three adjacent strings, and helps to create a variety of alternate voicings and chord forms. The cut capo also makes it easier to play certain open chords. If you use it in conjunction with a full capo, you can play these unique voicings in nearly any key.

The cut capo is usually placed on the 3rd, 4th and 5th (D, G, B) strings. I used it to simplify the playing of "A Living Prayer" by Alison Krauss & Union Station by placing it on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th strings. Any three adjacent strings can be used as you experiement with this fun little device.

Why would you want to do this? Well, in addition to simplifying some chords, the cut capo adds new chord voicings to your repetoire, and that keeps your practice and playing interesting and more fun!

Kyser makes the de-facto cut capo, and the cost is a nominal $10-15, depending on where you purchase yours and if you wait for a sale.

If you want to try one, I recommend checking with MusiciansFriend.com . You can't go wrong with their price and satisfaction guarantees. The Kyser Cut Capo includes instructions for some of the chord forms and voicings.

For lots more information about the history and use of the cut capo, see Bo's Capos site.

Go For A Big Finish!

I hope you've enjoyed this issue of The Bridge. See you next month!

Steve
Steve@Start-Playing-Guitar.com