The Etymology of the Word Capo in the Context of Musical Instruments
Origins of the Term “Capo”
The word “capo” has its origins in the Italian language. Its etymology can be traced back to the term “capotasto,” which was first used by Italian musicologist Giovanni Battista Doni in 1640. Doni used the term to describe the nut on a viola da gamba, a type of stringed instrument. Over time, the term “capotasto” evolved, and the shortened form “capo” became the commonly used word to describe the device used on the neck of a stringed instrument.
The Development of Capo Designs
The earliest known use of a device similar to a capo dates back to the mid-1700s. These rudimentary capos were made out of a single piece of metal, typically brass, and curved to cup and squeeze the neck of the instrument. However, they had no tension adjustment and simply slipped into position from the side.
In the late 1700s, more familiar capo designs emerged. The “yoke” style capo featured a simple metal frame with a static bar and an adjustable screw plate underneath the neck to control tension. The Spanish cejilla, on the other hand, had a fixed leather strip that looped under the neck and a wooden bar with a top-mounted screw. These designs marked significant advancements in the functionality and adjustability of capos.
In 1850, James Ashborn of Wolcottville, Connecticut, a renowned luthier, patented the first official capo design. His capo employed a wooden cylinder and a brass thumbscrew to apply pressure from beneath the neck. This design differed from previous iterations and set the stage for future variations and improvements.
Applications and Varieties of Capos
Capos are commonly used by musicians who play various stringed instruments, including guitars, mandolins, mandolas, banjos, ukuleles, and bouzoukis. There are different designs of capos to suit different instruments and playing styles.
Some of the common types of capos include spring-clamp capos, strap-on capos, and screw-on capos. Spring-clamp capos feature a spring-loaded mechanism that clamps onto the neck of the instrument, providing secure and adjustable pressure. Strap-on capos, as the name suggests, use straps to fasten the capo onto the neck. Screw-on capos, on the other hand, utilize screws to tighten the capo in place.
Function and Benefits of Capos
The primary function of a capo is to raise the pitch of a fretted instrument. By placing the capo on a specific fret, musicians can effectively change the key of the instrument without altering their fingerings. This is particularly useful when accompanying other musicians or singers who require a different key.
Capos also offer additional benefits beyond transposition. They can be used to create different voicings and chord shapes, resulting in a fuller sound when playing with other musicians. The use of a capo only affects the open notes of each string, while the rest of the fretboard remains unaffected. This allows musicians to play in different keys without the need to relearn the entire fretboard, making capos a valuable tool for quick and seamless key changes during performances.
Conclusion
The word “capo” originated from the Italian term “capotasto” and became the commonly used word to describe the device used on the neck of a stringed instrument. Capos have undergone various design developments over the years, providing musicians with the ability to transpose, create unique chord shapes, and explore different tonal possibilities. With their practical applications and versatility, capos continue to be an essential accessory for musicians across a range of instruments.
Sources:
- Kyser Musical Products. “The History of the Guitar Capo.” Retrieved from https://kysermusical.com/blogs/news/history-of-the-capo
- Wikipedia. “Capo (musical device).” Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capo_(musical_device)
- Merriam-Webster. “Capo Definition & Meaning.” Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capo
FAQs
What is the origin of the word “capo”?
The word “capo” originated from the Italian language. It evolved from the term “capotasto,” which was first used by Italian musicologist Giovanni Battista Doni in 1640 to describe the nut on a viola da gamba, a type of stringed instrument.
How was the term “capo” applied to the device used on stringed instruments?
Over time, the term “capotasto” evolved, and the shortened form “capo” became the commonly used word to describe the device used on the neck of a stringed instrument. This device allows musicians to transpose and shorten the playable length of the strings, thereby raising the pitch.
Who patented the first capo design?
James Ashborn of Wolcottville, Connecticut, patented the first capo design in 1850. His design featured a wooden cylinder and a brass thumbscrew to apply pressure from beneath the neck of the instrument, marking a significant milestone in the development of capo designs.
What instruments are capos commonly used with?
Capos are commonly used with a wide range of stringed instruments, including guitars, mandolins, mandolas, banjos, ukuleles, and bouzoukis. They offer musicians the ability to raise the pitch and play in different keys without changing fingerings.
What are the different types of capo designs?
There are various designs of capos to suit different instruments and playing styles. Common types include spring-clamp capos, strap-on capos, and screw-on capos, each offering different mechanisms for securing and adjusting the capo on the instrument’s neck.
What is the primary function of a capo?
The primary function of a capo is to raise the pitch of a fretted instrument. By placing the capo on a specific fret, musicians can effectively change the key of the instrument without changing fingerings, making it easier to accompany singers or play in different musical contexts.
Can capos be used to create different chord shapes and voicings?
Yes, capos can be used to create different voicings and chord shapes. By placing the capo on different frets, musicians can achieve new and unique sounds, resulting in a fuller and more varied tonal palette when playing with other musicians.
How does using a capo affect the rest of the fretboard?
When using a capo, it only affects the open notes of each string. The rest of the fretboard remains unaffected, meaning that the same fingerings and patterns can be applied regardless of the capo’s position. This makes it easier for musicians to play in different keys without the need to relearn the entire fretboard.