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.