What’s a Capo?

A guitar with a capo fitted.

A guitar with a capo fitted.

A capo is a small device that fastens to the neck of stringed instrument to raise the pitch of the strings. This can add a new sound to the ukulele so it compliments the other players

A capo can be useful if you are playing with a singer who sings in a different key to what you have learnt to play.

Also a capo can be useful to simplify the chords you need to play. While I’m generally in favour of learning chords rather than using a capo, there are some chords that are very difficult even on a four string instrument like the ukulele. Imagine trying to play something in Eb for instance.

Not many ukulele players use a capo, as most songs that are performed by ukulele groups are often transposed to be friendly to novice ukulele players. This often in the key of C. I’ll often use a capo even for songs I’ve written myself just to get the correct key for my own voice. Other times I will just transpose them.

An inexpensive capo can add a new tool to your ukulele toolbox and allow you to explore more songs than you might otherwise play.

Jim’s Ukulele & Guitar Songbook

I’m sure many of you will have found this site while looking for songs to play on your ukulele, however I still think it’s worth mentioning just in case you haven’t heard of Jim’s Ukulele & Guitar Songbook.

Jim's Ukulele & Guitar songbook

Jim’s Ukulele & Guitar songbook

Jim has kindly provided hundreds of chord sheets for popular songs. This is a huge resource, that is ever growing. It may be easier to list what’s not available! There are chord versions for many instruments and tunings, so whatever stringed instrument you play, there’s a good chance you will be catered for.

Songs can be downloaded as books for your instrument or you can also download files in ChordPro format to use in popular ChordPro apps. A neat feature is you can add your favourites and create your own songbook.

This is a great site and well worth checking out.

Happy strumming.