capotasti

Capotasti refers to a technique used on plucked string instruments, most notably the classical guitar and related lute-family instruments, for forming a barre across the fretboard. The term comes from Italian, capotasto, literally meaning to place a bar at the fret. In modern usage, capotasti is commonly called a barre, though historical sources may describe the action and sometimes the hardware involved differently.

Technique and execution

To perform a full barre, the index finger is laid flat across all six strings at a chosen fret, pressing firmly enough to mute strings underneath and produce a clear, even pitch across the strings. Partial barres involve covering fewer than all six strings, or using a second finger to assist. Variations include barre shapes across multiple strings with different fingers, or combining partial barres to facilitate specific chord shapes and melodic passages. Proper technique emphasizes relaxion of the hand and wrist, precise finger placement near the fretwire, and even pressure to avoid buzzing or intonation problems. Practice often starts with simpler positions and gradually advances to higher frets and more complex chords.

Context and usage

Capotasti is fundamental in classical guitar technique, enabling movable chord shapes and key changes without changing hand position. It also appears in lute and Baroque guitar literature, where commanders sometimes require short or partial barres due to instrument construction. Notation for capotasti in method books typically indicates a barre with abbreviations or symbols and may specify the fret at which the barre is to be applied. Mastery of capotasti widens repertoire access and facilitates efficient, expressive playing.