In this article we will discuss the best guitar capo for both the acoustic and the electric.
You’ve probably been to a show where you’ve seen the singer play an acoustic guitar with a capo on it’s neck.
Capos are not just exclusive to the acoustic guitar. They can be used on an electric as well.
For those unfamiliar with a guitar capo, let’s take a look at what is it and it’s primary function.
What is a Capo?
A guitar capo is a device that changes the key of an instrument by shortening the strings at their nut end.
It’s used to play songs in different keys without re-tuning, so you don’t have to spend time on your fingers relearning how to fret chords for each new song.
Musicians commonly use a capo to make it easier for them to play in different keys using the same fingerings as playing without one.
A capo is a great tool that can be used to change the sound of your guitar.
Capos shorten all strings at once, so any open string will play at a higher pitch than it would without one on.
Whenever you want to experiment with new sounds or just make an acoustic song louder, use this handy gadget!
The best guitar capo are ones that are easy to use and have strong construction with durable materials.
A capo is a great addition to your collection, but which one should you buy for your acoustic or electric guitar?
In this article, we will be reviewing our top picks!
Best Capo For Acoustic and Electric Guitars
G7th Performance 3 Capo with ART
The G7th capo with adaptive radius technology (ART) is our top pick.
With the adaptive radius technology, a guitar will sound in tune no matter where you are on the neck or what type of string guitar you may have (acoustic, electric, and nylon!).
In addition, this capo has an easy-to-use clamping mechanism that grips without scratching your instrument and provides one handed use for any hand size.
The innovative tension control allows you to easily adjust its pressure for perfect tuning every time – just squeeze it tight like a vise when attaching and then release to unlock.
This product ensures easy operation so that there’s no excuse not play correctly.
The G7th Performance 3 Capo with ART is a versatile capo for any type of guitar.
This capo features silicone rubber wrap-around pads that protect your neck from metal touching wood. This gives you that tone and some pretty cool storage options, making your life easier all around.
One thing to note is that this is heavier than most other capos. To some that may be an issue and for others it may not matter at all.
This versatile capo has everything an instrumentalist needs: silicone rubber that will wrap comfortably around the neck to protect it from metal contact while protecting your tone thanks to the firm string pad material which reduces vibration dampening.
Keep in mind, with all these features and solid construction, the price tag will be higher than most capos on the market.
Pros
Pros:
- Perfect for acoustic and electric guitars.
- Easy to use.
- Stores easily behind the neck or on headstock.
- Built to last.
- Contoured pad is perfect for curved fretboards.
- Eliminates hassle of re-tuning once taken off.
Cons
Cons:
- Heavier than most capos.
- More expensive than most capos.
Best Guitar Capo for Beginners
Ernie Ball Axis Dual Radius Capo Black Satin
The Ernie Ball Axis Dual Radius Capo Black Satin was designed to be easy to use and perfect for beginners.
It has a dual radius design that fits both flat or curved fret boards, as well as precision-molded rubber pads that will protect your instrument while you’re playing it.
This capo is simple and easy to use.
Serve up true flexible tone with easy single-handed operation as well as robust yet lightweight aluminum construction that would look good anywhere from home to studio, stage or global world tour!
The robust aluminum construction ensures your instrument is well protected and the precision molded rubber pads safeguard against any scratches or cuts.
This capo provides an easy grip without cramping your hand!
Made using the most reliable materials, it will protect your instrument while you’re rocking out like your favorite professional guitarist!
Pros
Pros:
- Budget Friendly
- Easy to use.
- Fits flat and curved fretboards.
- Sleek design.
- Great for acoustic and electric.
- Firm grip.
Cons
Cons:
- Buzzing on the higher frets.
Best Capo For String Buzz Elimination
D’Addario Accessories Self-Centering Cradle Capo
The D’Addario Accessories Self-Centering Cradle Capo is a top of the line capo.
This product has an adjustable micrometer and self-centering cradle design that offers even tension across the strings and eliminates buzz.
Made from stainless steel for long life, this capo stores above the guitar nut to provide quick access when needed.
This unique capo guarantees an even tension across the strings, eliminating buzz and providing great intonation and tone.
Nobody likes a slippery grip on their guitar. D’Addario has the answer with this innovative self-centering capo that locks securely right where you put it!
It’s perfect for gypsy jazz, flamenco or any musical style where you need to be in total command of your instrument.
Pros
Pros:
-
- Self-centering cradle design.
- Eliminates string buzz.
- Store easily above the guitar nut.
- Made from durable stainless steel.
- Provides great intonation and tone.
- Smooth movement up and down neck.
Cons
Cons:
- Higher priced than most capos.
Best Guitar Capo On a Budget
Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo
The Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo is made of stainless steel, giving it the quality and durability needed to last a long time.
With smooth action and a repurposed lever grip, this capo is designed for ease in use.
It’s lightweight, easy to use design will make it your favorite accessory in no time.
Rest assured that this guitar capo lasts much longer than its counterparts because it is made with sturdy stainless steel construction resists wear. Sturdy construction at a great price means great value for you.
The Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo is a different type of capo from the traditional spring-loaded capos.
Though it’s not quite as quick to change, this version will withstand wear and tear longer than any other options on the market.
This capo makes for a favorite among guitarists because you can count on it staying in place consistently.
Lastly, this Shubb capo does not allow you to clamp it on the headstock easily like most clamp-on capos. So if you’re performing live, you will need to store it elsewhere.
Pros
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Budget friendly.
- Roller design resists wear.
- Will not cause your guitar to go out of tune.
- No pitch distortion.
- Great for acoustic and electric.
Cons
Cons:
- Cannot clamp on headstock.
Best Capo for Alternate Tunings
Kyser Short-Cut Partial Capo
When you put this Kyser Short-Cut Partial Capo on your guitar, it enhances the instrument by making the strings sound like they’re in an alternate tuning.
The Kyser Short-Cut Partial Capo can be used for both acoustic and electric guitars. It helps you get to the alternate tunings without having to switch between different types of capos or playing in another key.
The part short-cut design maintains your guitar’s tuning, while providing new chord options such as DADGAD (the key of E).
You can get a new sound out of your guitar with this Kyser Short-Cut Partial Capo.
You can adjust to alternate tunings or change chords more easily than ever before as well!
And, when not being used, park the capo on the headstock so you don’t have to worry about where it is.
Made in the USA, this partial capo is an affordable option for musicians with more than one stringed instrument or those who enjoy switching up their sound on the fly!
Pros
Pros:
- Ideal for alternate tunings.
- Expands your guitar’s sound.
- Made in the USA.
- Rests on headstock when not in use.
- Durable and easy to use.
- Stays in place.
Cons
Cons:
- Can be tight with thicker necks.
Best Multi Pack Capo for Acoustic or Electric
Guitar Capo for Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Copper, 3-Pack
If you’re looking for a capo, this multi-pack may be the way to go.
The thoughtfully designed capo features a wide handle with shallow finger grooves to prevent any hand squeeze related discomfort and the patented locking arms close around the neck’s radius, ensuring round performance.
It has minimal string buzz, is very easy to use, and is easy to move between guitars on stage or at home.
For beginners through experts alike, this capo can fulfill your needs.
This 3-pack of agile zinc alloy capos provide reliable response across the fretboard while delivering clear sound every time, so all you have to worry about is getting that last chord just right.
With moderate steel springs that make attaching and removing easy too, you’ll be locked in faster than ever before.
These capos feature a copper electroplating surface that’s corrosion resistant and looks great on any acoustic or electric guitar. Plus, with a three-pack, you’ll have one for every guitar and never find yourself without!
Pros
Pros:
-
- Comes in a pack of 3.
- Super budget friendly.
- Applies even pressure on strings.
- Made of durable zinc.
- Easy to attach on fretboard.
- Has a soft silicon cushion to protect the guitar.
Cons
Cons:
- May be harder to adjust for those with smaller hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions in our buyers guide.
Why should you use a capo on your guitar?
I know that earlier in this article we touched base on what the capo actually does. Now let’s chat about why you should use it on your guitar.
By placing the capo at different fret positions, your guitar can sound like a whole new instrument.
If you place the capo at 3rd fret, for example, all of an open E string becomes Gs (three half steps higher in pitch than E).
The capo will change the sound of your guitar
A capo can be used to instantly change the key of a song.
If you have a song in the key of C and place your capo on fret 2, all strings will sound two half-steps higher than normal which is what makes it seem like it’s playing in D!
You could move this up or down depending on where your vocal range begins; find that perfect spot for yourself by sliding up and down until you get there.
You will get a brighter sound
Ever wanted your guitar to sound like a mandolin? Now you can make your guitar sound like a mandolin without buying one!
Just place your capo on the neck of your guitar. This will make it so that you have to fret chords differently, but there are benefits too.
For example, if someone wants to play with you in different keys this is an easy way for them to do it and still be able to use their own instrument instead of borrowing yours!
Just place a capo higher up on your guitar’s neck and voila–you’ll feel like pickin’ some tasty Mandolins all day long!
A capo will let you move to any key
Some guitarists have viewed capos as “cheating.” They feel that if you want to play in a certain key that you should do so as it’s intended to be played on the neck.
However, say if you play folk guitar, then you need something which will allow you to create the intricate sounds.
You can play a C without a capo, but then will become limited with the notes you can reach in that position. Adding a capo will allow you to focus open notes with fretted notes. This is the primary trait of folk guitar.
Where do musicians keep their guitar capo?
Most store it on the guitar’s headstock.
In the reviews above, you’ll notice that a potential “con” would be that some capos cannot be stored on the headstock.
If your capo is one where it can’t go there, then your pocket is the next best option if you’re playing live.
Do professionals use capo?
If we define “professionals” as people who have made their career off of music and song writing then the answer is yes.
Songs you hear on the radio everyday use a guitar capo.
The following are prime examples:
Hotel California – Eagles
Wonderwall – Oasis
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty
Atlantic City – Bruce Springsteen
Fire and Rain – James Taylor
Are capos bad for guitars?
Capos can be bad for guitars.
They’ll not only increase the rate at which your guitar frets wear out, but they may also damage the finish on your neck and even warp or break it!
However, if you want to avoid damage, when not using it simply take it off this way there is no tension applied for long periods of time.
Conclusion
One of the keys to making a guitar sound great is using different tunings or playing notes in different keys at various positions on the neck.
You can use a capo if you want to play in an alternate tuning without having to change your strings every time or if you want to open up the sound for a nice bright and full tone.
A good quality acoustic and electric guitar capo will not produce string buzz, it won’t fall off when not being used, and most importantly be easy for beginners or experts alike to use.
It’s a cool tool to have in your bag of accessories and it makes songwriting enjoyable.
We hope you found this article on the best guitar capo informative and helpful.
Do you use a capo? If so, how often?
Do you just use them on the acoustic guitar? Which fret do you find that you are mostly putting the capo on?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or what is the best capo you feel is out there today?
Thank you and remember to always HAVE FUN!
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