No, I don't use a capo...EVER! If I played acoustic (folk, country chords or finger style, for example) and wanted to use strong open note bass lines, maybe. But I don't. That's what power chords are used for with my style of playing.

I don't ever sight read material I do in real time performances where I am featured. If the tune is written in the wrong key for me, I quickly transpose it into the right key when I learn it. I generally always play instrumentals in the key they are written in.

I don't use a laptop, charts, etc. or anything but memory for the material I do live. I play lots of variations on lead lines extemporaneously, when possible. If I'm playing in a group, I play the chart supplied when everything is charted.

Other times, in more improvisational performances (both as an individual and as a member of a group), tradition dictates that tunes are played in conventional horn keys (out of respect for the player(s)and appreciation of the limitations/range/fingering of the instrument) or in the keys they were written in. Competent players know what those keys are, and can handle most material in any key called. Often. modulations are used just to keep things interesting.

I just prefer to do things my way.

This is not an assertion that mine is the right way for anyone else. It's the right way for me and others I know and work with.

And, frankly, I'm surprised that anyone would even ask the "capo" question to someone who plays my style of guitar.

My guitar posting from several months ago contained tunes in 5 or 6 different keys; only one in an "open" key...no capo. It would have been no problem playing all those pieces in any key. That's what I do for practice. The choices were either arbitrary or to suit my vocal range. I'd bet that no-one EVER saw anyone play any of those tunes using a capo.

But that's as much a function of musical style than anything else. I've seen Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins use capo's when playing their "finger picking" kind of material.

Love them both, but a capo is not appropriate for my style. Jazz player are insulted at the "capo" question. I don't even own one. And, as a matter of personal discipline, I choose not to use the transposition button on keyboards.

But, keep in mind, this is coming from a guy who never touches a volume or tone control knob on a stringed instrument. All the pots are corroded wide open and don't work (LOL).

Russ