Quote:
Originally posted by captain Russ:
Chas, you'll probably never see a real jazz guitarist playing JAZZ using a capo. That would be a real cop-out and an indication of a real lack of ability. But you might see a jazz player switching to acoustic, accompanying, say a (UGH) country artist, a folk or, in some instance, a pop artist use a capo. You're right about the old blues guys. They played in G and D...that's about it. A basic open G played with a capo on the first fret obviously produces an Ab with the same fingering.

A good example is the guy who backs up all the contestants on America's got Talent and American Idol, Paul Jackson, Jr. He currently has a light jazz version of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" on heavy rotation on the smooth jazz stations and is actually a seasoned jazz star in Europe and Asia (Regularly tours with George Benson and the like). When he backs up performers on acoustic, he uses a capo. Otherwise... FAGETABOUTIT! For good players the capo is a tool required for certain styles, not to compensate for lack of ability.

And when our friend, Rory uses a capo, you can bet the farm that it isn't to compensate for a lack of ability. He's simply, "re-tuning" his instrument to provide the appropriate open bass notes for the song, key and style he's playing.

Russ (no capo for me) Lay
[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 06-03-2010).]


Even Paul McCartney uses a Capo singing Michelle to the First lady last night!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ni-0eXQ-rs