If you are an Eagles fan, or even if you are not, you will probably know the song Hotel California. This is one of the iconic songs from the Eagles. It is also a prime example where the capo was used not only to put the song in range for the singer to sing but also gives the song a “ring” to it that it would not have had in the lowest register.

The guitarist is Don Felder who obviously has no issues playing a guitar. Often people who use capos are looked down upon as not having skills. That could not be further from the truth here. The singer for the song is Don Henley. The idea was simply to match the pitch of the song to Don Henley’s voice.  Turned out great didn’t it?  Frankly he is one of my favorite singers.

When you marry a great song, great guitarists and great singers you end up with an amazing final product.

Note: I *HAD* a video here of the Eagles playing Hotel California but it seems that they are famous for taking every video down with their music in it.  Sad testament to the music biz really.  They don’t want people to hear their music unless they make money on every play.  Nevertheless…they are a great band with unbelievable skills.

I was trying to demonstrate that even the most famous, iconic songs with amazing players often use capos for effect and practicality.

Let’s try it again with a new one.  We’ll see how long it is up.

What’s this?  It’s a CAPO!

https://youtu.be/niIX0QcYRzE