Last Updated: June-08-2018
Plenty had changed in the world of capos since we last looked at this article, so we made several amendments to both the guide and the chart. This included adding some new models, such as two modern classics – the GUITARX X3 Original Guitar Capo 2.0 and the Shubb Deluxe Series GC-30 – as well as a great budget capo, the Donner DC-2.
While not as fundamental as a cable, strap or a stand, when it comes to guitar-enhancing accessories, a capo stands among some of the most useful devices.
However, the market is saturated with capos of many styles and from many manufacturers, all claiming to be the best.
So, you need to have your wits about you when buying a new capo. Which is why this article may prove handy in your search. We have trawled the market and put together a chart of our favorite capos as well as a short guide on how to find the best one for you. But first…
What Is A Capo?
Before we take a look at some of our favorites, it’s worth explaining to the newer player what a capo actually is and how one works.
A guitar capo is a clamp-like device that sits over the strings of an acoustic guitar (you can use one on an electric too, but it’s much less common). All capos feature a padded bar that can be positioned across any frets of the neck, shortening the playable length of the instrument and changing the instrument’s open pitch.
Think of it like an extra finger. For example, placing a capo across the second fret results in the same effect as pressing and holding your finger on the second fret of each string. So, if you were in standard tuning, that would change the open notes you play from E, A, D, G, B, E to F#, B, E, A, C, F#.
The Top 8 Best Guitar Capos:
Types of Guitar Capo
Just like guitar stand and guitar straps, there are different styles of guitar capo, each with their own characteristics.
Clamp
The most popular variety tends to be the clamp capo – using either a trigger or a spring for tension. You simply squeeze the clamp, place it over the desired position, then release it, leaving the capo clamped to the face. Clamp capos are easy to move around the fretboard with one hand. The only problem with these capos is that they can mess up the intonation slightly as the pressure tends to sit more on one side of the fretboard, so a little adjustment is sometimes needed.
Adjustable Screw
You can also find the adjustable screw capo made famous by Shubb. These capos are also very easy to use and keep the guitar in tune well due to the adjustable screw which evenly distributes pressure. Just position the capo over the desired frets, flip the leaver until the capo squeezes into place. The main problem with this type of capo is that it tends to be harder to change position instantly, and you need two hands to do it.
Yoke-Style
Yoke-style capos also exist (illustrated by the Paige model in our chart). These capos completely wrap around the neck and use a screw on the rear to apply pressure. The advantages are that you get a very even pressure across all the frets, which is great for intonation and tuning. They also slide around the neck very easily, which is great for quick position changes mid-performance. However, they aren’t as easy to initially put on or remove from a guitar as the other styles of capo.
Others
Finally, you will also find basic designs such as toggle capos and strap capos – both functional enough, although prone to slipping around. Then we have partial capos. This variety is usually a spring or adjustable screw design and has a smaller padded bar, which covers just three strings (missing the outer string) – either 2-3-4 or 5-4-3. This can emulate DADGAD tuning, which is great when you don’t want to completely retune your guitar but still want to take advantage of popular tunings.
Things to Consider When Buying a Capo
Buying a capo shouldn’t be as complicated as buying a new guitar or amp, but there is plenty to take into consideration. While a capo is a simple tool, you could end up with a lousy product if you’re not careful. Here are some things to look out for.
Firstly, look for a capo made from metal such as a lightweight zinc alloy or aluminum, or stainless steel or bronze. You can also find some great capos crafted from wood, although avoid plastic as they are not as sturdy or durable.
Having a tension adjustment, usually in the form of a screw or key is a good feature, as it allows you to fine-tune the pressure of the capo, ensuring a firm grip on the strings. The steel springs you may find on clamp capos are also good as they distribute the pressure more evenly across the fretboard.
As for pads, you will find rubber is often used, although silicone pads tend to be the best choice as they offer a secure grip, with less disruption of intonation and tuning. Padding on both inner sides of the clamp is a good thing as this helps protect the guitar from damage.
Songs That Use Capos
You may be surprised to find out how many of your favorite artists and songs use a capo to change the pitch. In fact, you can find capos used in all styles of music, although they are particularly popular in blues, folk, rock and pop music.
Some iconic tunes that heavily rely on the capo include: ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles (Capo on the 7th fret), ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis (2nd fret), ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles (7th fret), ‘Free Fallin'’ by Tom Petty (various frets), ‘Fire and Rain’ by James Taylor (3rd fret), and ‘The Boxer’ by Simon and Garfunkel (2nd fret). There are hundreds more and buying a capo will allow you to play these songs in their original key.
The Final Word
Hopefully you will now understand that, while capos are not complicated, there is a little more to them than first meets the eye. Our chart will hopefully have offered you a little inspiration and guidance ahead of making a purchase.