F.A.Qs

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-purchase questions

There are 3 different sized SpiderCapos. Which fits my guitar?

Most guitars will use the standard size (SpiderCapo Std.). This includes neck width from 37-59 mm(1,7/16 -2,3/8 inches).

What guitars can it be used on?

The SpiderCapo can be used on a classical, electric, acoustic steel and nylon guitars.

What about a 12 String?

Yes, with a slight modification. There is a groove in the middle of the SpiderCapo’s fingers. Cut plastic electrical tape (generally black) to cover the grooves for the bottom 3 strings (D, A & E) of the guitar where the double strings are of different thicknesses.

Can the SpiderCapo be used on other instruments?

SpiderCapo Mini for:

  • Bouzuki
  • Banjo
  • Ukulele
  • Mandolin

SpiderCapo XXL for:

  • Electric 4 String Bass
  • 5 String Bass
  • 6 String Bass
  • 7 String, most 8 String guitars
  • Concert Classical Guitar above the 8th fret

I have a fanned fret guitar. Will the Spider work?

Yes! Reverse the direction of up to 3 of the FINGERS to accommodate the angle of the fret.

Will it harm my guitar?

No. Only organic leather (ox leather – very dense) makes contact with the neck of the guitar.

You can tighten the endpieces securely without damaging the edges of the fingerboard.

One caveat: Be sure the tab rests on top of the fingerboard when you tighten the knob. The treble side (1st string) tab is white, just for this purpose; so it can be easily seen on top of the fingerboard.

Once properly positioned on the neck, do not be afraid to make it very tight. This will assure that it does not move in performance. Again, your guitar neck is safe. Do not worry.

Important note: Be sure the tabs are positioned above the face of the fingerboard, not on the side of the guitar neck when tightening the the knob. The latter can result in an imprint of the tab in the wood.

Creative Tunings cannot be responsible for damage to a guitar neck due to incorrect placement of the SpiderCapo.

Tips & Tricks

How can I get to notes at the fret the SpiderCapo is capoed to?

One thing you can do is to use less SpiderCapo fingers. Any alternative tuning will utilize less than six fingers. The fingers are easily removed:

  • Unscrew the knob until it comes off
  • Remove the moveable endpiece and as many fingers as you like

One user wrote in to tell us he only uses 3 of the SpiderCapos’ fingers, which allows easier access to the unfingered strings.

Another thing you can do is attach the SpiderCapo midway between the front and back frets, rather than close behind the forward fret.

Do I place the forward TAB in front or behind the fret?

  • Behind the fret: allows some variability of tuning as you move the finger along the string
  • In front of the fret: gives most precise intonation

Usage questions

Can I take the SpiderCapo apart?

Absolutely:

  • Unscrew the knob until it comes off
  • Remove the moveable endpiece and as many fingers as you like

You can do this to customize the SpiderCapo to your own specific needs.

My guitar is strung for LEFT HANDED playing. Do I need to modify the SpiderCapo?

Yes. The direction of the fingers must be reversed for the SpiderCapo to function correctly:

  • Take the knob and endpiece off
  • Remove the fingers
  • Replace the fingers facing in the opposite direction

Can I fine tune a depressed string with the SpiderCapo?

Yes, this is done by changing the position of the SpiderCapo finger on the string.

Rock the finger’s handle back and forth. You don’t have to have the finger all the way into “lock-down” position-though, this is an option.

How many tunings can you make?

There are 945 possibilities in the 1st 15 frets.

There are a few dozen examples of what players are doing and every possible tuning in our Tunings Compendium on the Resources section.

It is also possible to use 2 or more SpiderCapos simultaneously, increasing the tuning possibilities to the thousands. We invite you to share your tunings.

Troubleshooting

If the moveable endpiece binds when moving, or if it sticks to the guitar when attempting to release the SpiderCapo, rub the shaft with your fingers (only) in the area where the moveable endpiece travels. This will ease it’s movement.

If a finger sometimes lifts off of the string while playing, there is not enough rotational resistance to keep the finger down on the string. This can be due to finger oils and other invisible lubricants that might accumulate on the shaft. Fix: Take the fingers off and wipe the shaft with tissue paper. You also may use paint thinner or other degreaser.

If the problem(s) persist(s), please contact us.