For other uses of this term, see El Capo.
In string instruments, the capo (also called capo) is an accessory that serves to replace the nut made in the frets with the index finger, allowing the interpreter to use his finger freely. It can be used in any available fret (in the case of acoustic guitar, the base of the arm will not allow to place the bonnet in the twelfth locker).
The capo is used frequently in a great variety of musical genres like flamenco, bachata, country, folklore, and in some traditional music like Irish and has had a quite recurrent use in other genres as the rock, tango, bolero, etc.
The capo is an accessory of excellence for the guitarist as it can be used for both composition and interpretation. It allows the exploration of new sounds, digits and sound nuances as well as the easy transposition of a musical work to another tone.
The capo emulates the nut, so it allows the same ease as playing with the strings in the air. The capo becomes very practical in cases where the guitar player has little strength in the hands, small hands or difficulty in the absence of custom to perform certain positions. In addition it allows the replacement of the use of the nut, releasing the hand for the fingering of more complex arpeggios, as well as allows the easy execution of open chords in unconventional positions.
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