Discover the Magic of the G-Band Capo with Harvey Reid's New Book

Harvey’s book is available on Amazon

The Journey of the G-Band Capo

Dad built the G-Band because he needed a specific sound and couldn’t find a capo that did it. We never expected someone like Harvey Reid to come along and write 98 pages about all the places you can take it.

If you don’t know the name, you probably know his reputation. Reid has been playing professionally for over four decades. He’s a flatpicker, singer, mandolin and bouzouki player, and a six-string banjo obsessive. He’s the guy most responsible for the whole idea of the partial capo existing as a serious musical tool in the first place. He didn’t just popularise it; he mapped it. Multiple configurations that players now take for granted trace back to him.

So when he picked up a 1 or 2-string G-Band and decided it deserved its own book, that felt like a genuine “pinch me” moment for a small family business in the Northeast of England.

What the Book Actually Is

It’s called Secrets of 1 & 2-String Partial Capos: Finding Hidden Music With Woodie’s G-Band Capos, and it’s part of his ongoing “Capo Voodoo” series. This series explores what happens when you clamp down part of the fretboard instead of all of it. This particular volume is built entirely around the G-Band, featuring 33 distinct approaches to using a 1 or 2-string capo. There are well over a thousand chord shapes mapped out across the book.

What struck me while reading is that he specifically calls out why the G-Band works for this in a way that many universal capos don’t. The low profile means your fretting hand isn’t fighting a bulky clamp to reach chords that a Third Hand or Spider capo would physically block you from accessing. That’s not just us saying it. That’s an independent guitar authority saying it, unprompted, in print!

Why This Matters If You Own One

You don’t need to read a page of theory to enjoy a G-Band. Plenty of players just capo up, find a nice open sound, and get on with the song. That’s exactly what it’s there for.

But if you’re the type who likes rabbit holes — who wants to know what else is hiding in the fretboard once you stop treating the capo as an all-or-nothing tool — this is about as deep as that rabbit hole goes. Reid’s whole career has been about proving the guitar has more in it than standard tuning and a straight-across capo let on. This book points that same instinct directly at the instrument we make.

Exploring the G-Band Capo's Unique Features

The G-Band Capo is not just another accessory; it’s a game changer. Its design allows for a range of sounds that can elevate your playing. Have you ever felt limited by your capo? The G-Band opens up possibilities.

Imagine strumming your guitar and discovering new chords you never knew existed. With the G-Band, you can explore different tunings without the hassle of retuning your guitar. It’s like having a secret weapon in your musical arsenal!

Unlocking New Chord Progressions

One of the most exciting aspects of using the G-Band is the potential to unlock new chord progressions. You might find yourself experimenting with sounds that inspire new songs. The beauty of music is in its exploration, and the G-Band encourages that.

Have you ever played a song and thought, "What if I changed this chord?" With the G-Band, you can easily experiment with different voicings and progressions. It’s all about finding what resonates with you.

The Community of G-Band Users

As you dive into the world of the G-Band, you’ll discover a community of like-minded musicians. Sharing tips, tricks, and experiences can enhance your playing. You’re not alone in this journey; there are countless guitarists out there exploring the same sounds.

Joining forums or social media groups can be a great way to connect with others. You can share your discoveries and learn from their experiences. Who knows? You might even make some new friends along the way!

Where to Find It

It’s available through the usual book retailers under the Capo Voodoo series name. Just search for Secrets of 1 & 2-String Partial Capos, and you’ll find it. It’s worth grabbing if you want to see just how far down the G-Band rabbit hole actually goes.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, explore, and let the G-Band Capo transform your playing experience!