capo etymology

Etymology

The word "capo" is derived from the Italian word "capo" meaning "head" or "chief."

Meaning and Origin

In the context of music, a capo is a device that is attached to the neck of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar or ukulele, to raise the pitch of the strings by a specific number of semitones. This allows the musician to play chords in different keys without having to retune the instrument.

The first known use of a capo was in the 16th century, when lute players used a small piece of wood or ivory to fret the strings. In the 18th century, the capo was refined and became a popular tool for guitarists.

Today, capos are widely used by musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals. They are particularly useful for fingerstyle guitarists and singers who want to play songs in different keys without having to relearn the chords.

Types of Capos

There are various types of capos available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

  • Spring-loaded capo: This is the most common type of capo and is suitable for most guitars. It uses a spring to clamp down on the strings, ensuring a secure and consistent fit.
  • Screw-on capo: This type of capo is less common but offers more precise control over the pitch adjustment. It uses a screw to tighten or loosen the capo, allowing the musician to adjust the pitch by specific semitones.
  • Capo with built-in tuner: Some capos have a built-in tuner, making it easy to tune the guitar while using the capo.
  • Partial capo: This type of capo only frets some of the strings, allowing the musician to create specific chord voicings or harmonies.

Uses of a Capo

Capos are used for a variety of purposes in music, including:

  • Changing the key of a song: A capo can be used to raise the pitch of a song, making it easier to sing or play in a different key.
  • Creating different chord voicings: A capo can be used to fret strings at different fret positions, creating alternate chord voicings that can enhance the sound of a song.
  • Facilitating fingerstyle guitar playing: A capo can raise the pitch of the strings, making it easier to play fingerstyle guitar pieces that require extended chords or difficult fingerings.
  • Accompanying singers: A capo can be used to change the key of a song to match the vocal range of a singer.

capo relate terms

  • achieve

    Etymology Middle English acheven from Old French achever from Latin assequi follow

  • biceps

    Etymology Biceps brachii short for two headed muscle of the arm is a Latin term coin

  • cabbage

    Etymology Middle English cabach cabage Old North French caboche cabuige Late Latin

  • cabochon

    Etymology The word cabochon is derived from the French word caboche meaning head

  • caddie

    Etymology Caddie comes from the Scottish word caddie meaning errand boy or one

  • cadet

    Etymology The word cadet is derived from the French word cadet which in turn comes

  • cap a pie

    Etymology of Cap a Pie The phrase cap a pie originated from the Middle French phrase

  • cape

    Etymology The word cape originates from the Middle English cappe which itself is de

  • cape

    Etymology The word cape originates from the Middle English cappe which itself is de

  • capital

    Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim

  • capital

    Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim

  • capitate

    Etymology Latin caput head Meaning Relating to or resembling a head Origin T

  • capitation

    Etymology Latin capitatio head tax Late Latin capitatio medica a tax levied on d

  • capitulate

    Etymology Late Latin capitulare from Latin capitulum little head chapter Mean

  • capitulation

    Etymology From Latin capitulation from capitulare from caput head ulare verb

  • capitulum

    Etymology The word capitulum derives from Latin and has multiple meanings and origins d

  • capo

    Etymology The word capo is derived from the Italian word capo meaning head or chie

  • capo

    Etymology The word capo is derived from the Italian word capo meaning head or chie

  • caprice

    Etymology The word caprice originates from the Old French word capricie which in tu

  • capsize

    Etymology Old French capsier capsizer to overturn Latin capsus box case Meani

  • captain

    Etymology The word captain comes from the Latin word capitaneus which in turn comes

  • cattle

    Etymology The word cattle comes from the Old English word catel which originally re

  • caudillo

    Etymology The word caudillo is derived from the Spanish word caudal meaning leader

  • chapter

    Etymology The word chapter comes from the Latin word capitulum meaning head or he

  • chef

    Etymology The term chef originates from the Old French word chief which means head

  • chief

    Etymology of Chief The word chief comes from the Old French word chief which in tu

  • chieftain

    Etymology Old French chevetain leader Late Latin capitaneus captain leader Latin

  • corporal

    Etymology Middle English corporal from Anglo Norman corporal from Latin corporalis

  • decapitate

    Etymology The word decapitate derives from the Latin word decapitare which is a com

  • forehead

    Etymology Fore prefix head noun Meaning The front part of the head above the eye

  • head

    Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives

  • hetman

    Etymology The word hetman is of Polish origin derived from the Proto Germanic word ha

  • kaput

    Etymology The word kaput is derived from the German expression Ganz kaputt or kaput

  • kerchief

    Etymology Middle English kerechief from Old French couvrechief literally cover

  • mischief

    Etymology The word mischief comes from the Old French word meschief which is derived

  • occipital

    Etymology The word occipital comes from the Latin word occipitus meaning the back of

  • precipice

    Etymology The word precipice is derived from the Latin word praecipitium which means

  • precipitate

    Etymology Late Latin praecipitat praecipitatus past participle of praecipitare to h

  • precipitation

    Etymology precipitare Latin to fall rush down prae Latin prefix before down

  • recapitulate

    Etymology Recapitulate originates from the Latin word recapitulatio which means t

  • recapitulation

    Etymology Recapitulation derives from the Latin word recapitulatio meaning a headi

  • sinciput

    Etymology Latin sinciput Meaning forehead Origin Indo European root sekw mean

  • triceps

    Etymology The term triceps is derived from Latin and has the following etymology tr

  • corporal

    Etymology Middle English corporal from Anglo Norman corporal from Latin corporalis

  • caprice

    Etymology The word caprice originates from the Old French word capricie which in tu

  • encore

    Etymology French encore meaning again Ultimately derived from Latin hanc horam

  • cabbage

    Etymology Middle English cabach cabage Old North French caboche cabuige Late Latin

  • camouflage

    Etymology Camouflage comes from the French word camoufler meaning to disguise onese

  • head

    Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives

  • chief

    Etymology of Chief The word chief comes from the Old French word chief which in tu

  • hatch

    Etymology Old English hæcc hǣcc noun half door wicket Middle English hacche no

  • inimical

    Etymology Latin inimīcus enemy Proto Indo European h₃en h₁kó s uncongenia

  • synagogue

    Etymology Latin synagōga Greek συναγωγή sunagōgē Meaning A Jewish h