∞ Video: Learning songs on your guitar using Capo for Mac OS X

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Sometimes when I play guitar, I just jam to a drum track. Other times I like to figure out a new song and play along with it. I have a couple of tools that I use to learn to play, but one of my favorites is Capo, an application for Mac OS X.

I can’t read music, so I rely on tablature and my ear to guide me. The tabs at Ultimate-Guitar.com are usually pretty accurate, but sometimes they can be wrong. That’s when using Capo comes in handy.

You can slow down the song and figure out the notes and chords that are being played. Sometimes, it’s a pretty fast process, other times it takes quite a while.

The most important thing is to have fun playing. I like the feeling I get when figuring out how to play a new song myself.

Learning songs also gives you insight into chord changes and scales — sometimes you don’t even realize how much you’re learning. Malcolm and Angus Young from AC/DC are two of the best at this, which is why I chose one of their songs for the video.


  • CE__

    Oh FFS. That is about the simplest song on earth, you can play it with just two fingers and one power chord. And you still missed the chord progression. If you need help figuring out how to play a simple chord progression like this, you don't need Capo, you need guitar lessons. I could teach even a beginner how to do this sort of riff in 5 minutes.
    You need better taste in guitarists. Try studying someone who actually knows more than 2 chords, like Jeff Beck, Clapton, Andres Segovia, Les Paul, Mick Ronson, BB King, Chet Atkins, Dick Dale, Pete Townshend, etc. etc. Hell, even Joey Ramone plays guitar better than Angus.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

    Glad you found it useful. You can use the app with the acoustic too without a problem. I just find it easier to hear the electric behind it. That could be my ears too ;)

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JD_1 JD_1

    Excellent piece Jim & I really enjoyed the video. I'm picking up the guitar again as a beginner after decades removed from last trying to learn. I am looking at a myriad of teaching assets both on the internet and from apps like Garageband and the lessons that come with it. Also, I like the idea of buying additional lessons from musicians like Alex Lifeson and John Fogerty in helping to learn how to play.

    Capo seems like another outstanding learning tool and your demo of it showed how powerful that tool can be. I really like the way you can slow down the speed of the song without effecting the pitch. Truly remarkable! I too am learning via tablature as I don't read music, & I see how Capo can facilitate the learning of new songs when tablature alone isn't enough.

    Though I am starting with a steel stringed acoustic guitar, I can see how Capo will help me with my instrument and be just as useful. When I decide on an electric guitar, maybe by this time next year, I can see using Capo for that as well. Definitely an app that will be useful for many years to come.

    Thanks for the heads up on this outstanding learning tool!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

    I've got fine taste in guitarists, thank you. I picked that song because it was easy and because it was a good place for beginners to start.

    It's because of people like you that new guitarists often get frustrated and give up. Get over yourself.

  • CE__

    I saw your previous posts about the headbangers you idolize. Yes you do need better taste.

    It's because of people like you that promote that crap that there are thousands of beginning guitarists that learn to play only crappy headbanger music. Get over yourself.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

      LOL. I also had a great time chatting at length with Les Paul about guitars and some of the modern guitarists. But I suppose you're right, I do need to idolize better guitarists. After all, what does Les know that you don't.

      I'll think about you when I'm at the Les Paul birthday celebration with Jeff Beck next month.

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