Not everyone holding a guitar is actually playing it.
Some warning signs are easy to spot: suspicious hand movements, conveniently loud backing tracks, or the occasional chord confidently played behind the capo.
Why worry about actual notes when you already have everyone’s attention?
Now, most of us like to look as though we’re in control. Some people even manage to pull it off.
Just maybe not with their guitar.
So stay alert. Trust your ears. And whenever you suspect finger syncing, remember the first rule of guitar safety:
Check which side of the capo they’re playing on.
For further training, head to YouTube and enjoy a friendly game of Spot the Mistake. You should have enough material to keep you busy.
From the Eternal Truths archives: this warning was originally issued on Instagram on September 25, 2024 ; inspired by a photograph of someone famous apparently discovering the unexplored territory behind a capo.
