Capos are essential tools for guitarists of all levels, allowing you to easily change the key of your guitar without retuning or learning new chord shapes. No longer seen as a tool just for beginners, capos are embraced by professional musicians and songwriters for their versatility and creative potential. Whether you’re looking to simplify chord progressions, match a vocalist’s range, or explore new sonic textures, a quality capo is a must-have accessory.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve rigorously tested a range of guitar capos, from budget-friendly options to premium models, to help you find the Best Guitar Capo for your needs. We’ll delve into the features, tuning stability, ease of use, build quality, and value for money of each capo, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Guitar Capo
To ensure a fair and thorough evaluation, we assessed each capo based on the following key criteria:
- Tuning Stability: A crucial aspect of any capo is its ability to maintain your guitar’s tuning. Poorly designed capos can pull strings sharp, leading to frustrating intonation issues. We meticulously checked each capo’s impact on tuning across various frets using a tuner.
- Ease of Use: Quick and easy application and removal are vital, especially during live performances or practice sessions. We tested the “one-handed test” for each capo to evaluate its user-friendliness and speed of adjustment.
- Build Quality & Durability: A capo should be robust and built to withstand regular use and the occasional drop. We examined the materials and construction of each capo to assess its long-term durability.
- Value for Money: The price of capos varies significantly. We considered the features and performance of each capo in relation to its price tag to determine its overall value.
- Features: Different capo types offer unique features. We explored the pros and cons of spring-loaded, screw-type, yoke-style, and other capo designs.
Top Guitar Capo Reviews
Here are our in-depth reviews of the guitar capos we tested, presented in a random order to ensure impartiality:
Shubb S1
Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo for Acoustic and Electric Guitars
Features: The Shubb S1 is a renowned stainless steel capo featuring an adjustable screw mechanism. This design allows for precise tension control, aiming for optimal tuning accuracy at any fret position. Designed to fit most acoustic and electric guitars, Shubb also offers specialized models for classical and 12-string guitars.
Tuning: The Shubb S1 demonstrated excellent tuning stability across all four of our test guitars and at various fret positions. The adjustable screw allows for fine-tuning of the tension, ensuring accurate intonation even with minor fret changes.
Ease of Use: While slightly more intricate than some quick-release capos, the Shubb S1 becomes intuitive with minimal practice. Adjusting the tension screw for precise tuning is straightforward. One-handed placement is achievable with a little dexterity.
Build Quality: The deluxe stainless steel model we tested exudes quality craftsmanship. Made and assembled in the USA, it feels solid, durable, and resistant to wear and tear. Shubb also offers a standard brass and nickel-plated version.
Value for Money: The Shubb S1 offers exceptional value. While not the most convenient quick-release capo, its superior tuning accuracy and robust build quality make it a worthwhile investment for serious guitarists.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars) – Excellent
Adagio Pro Deluxe
Adagio Pro Deluxe Spring Loaded Guitar Capo with Pin Puller
Features: The Adagio Pro Deluxe is a budget-friendly, spring-loaded capo. A unique and practical addition is a built-in pin puller at the end, designed for acoustic guitar string changes.
Tuning: Unfortunately, the Adagio Pro Deluxe exhibited significant tuning issues. It consistently pulled notes sharp, and achieving accurate tuning required precise placement to avoid string buzz and diminished sustain.
Ease of Use: Like most spring-loaded capos, the Adagio Pro Deluxe is easy to apply and remove. However, the narrow spacing between the clamp and arm can lead to accidentally catching and bending strings during application, further exacerbating tuning problems.
Build Quality: Despite its tuning shortcomings, the Adagio Pro Deluxe feels surprisingly solid and durable for its price point.
Value for Money: While affordable, the Adagio Pro Deluxe’s poor tuning performance outweighs its other features. A capo’s primary function is to facilitate playing in different keys without compromising tuning, and in this aspect, it falls short.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars) – Poor
G7th Performance 2
G7th Performance 2 Guitar Capo with Unique Tension Control System
Features: The G7th Performance 2 stands out with its innovative “Unique Tension Control System.” Unlike spring-loaded capos, it allows you to manually control the tension applied to the guitar neck by squeezing the capo to clamp it shut.
Tuning: The tension control system of the G7th Performance 2 effectively eliminates the tuning issues often associated with spring-loaded capos. By adjusting the pressure, you can achieve precise tuning across the fretboard. Minor adjustments are easily made by slightly squeezing or loosening the capo.
Ease of Use: The G7th Performance 2 is remarkably user-friendly. It requires minimal adjustment to achieve accurate tuning. Placement is intuitive – simply position it on the strings and squeeze until it feels right. It easily passes the one-handed operation test.
Build Quality: The build quality of the G7th Performance 2 is exceptional. It feels compact, robust, and durable. It’s designed to withstand regular use and accidental drops without damage.
Value for Money: The G7th Performance 2 is a worthwhile investment for any guitarist seeking a high-performance capo. Its ease of use, impeccable tuning, and durable construction justify its price.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) – Awesome! – Best Buy
Dellwing
Dellwing Spring Loaded Guitar Capo – Budget Friendly Option
Features: The Dellwing is a budget-oriented, spring-loaded capo with a straightforward, no-frills design. It is notably larger and heavier than many other capos in its category.
Tuning: Surprisingly, for a budget spring-loaded capo, the Dellwing performed admirably in terms of tuning accuracy. It maintained accurate tuning on three out of our four test guitars across the tested frets. However, the Aria guitar exhibited slight sharpness across most frets.
Ease of Use: The Dellwing is easy to use, typical of spring-loaded designs. However, its large size and wide clamp spacing can make one-handed operation slightly challenging, especially for users with smaller hands.
Build Quality: The Dellwing feels exceptionally robust and durable, bordering on overbuilt. While its appearance is somewhat basic, it is built to last.
Value for Money: The Dellwing offers excellent value for its price. Its surprising tuning accuracy and robust build make it a solid choice for guitarists seeking a budget-friendly and reliable spring-loaded capo.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars) – Very good
G7th UltraLight
G7th Performance 2 Guitar Capo with Unique Tension Control System
Features: The G7th UltraLight is a screw-style capo designed to be lightweight and budget-friendly while maintaining good tuning stability. It weighs a mere 8 grams.
Tuning: As a screw-type capo, the G7th UltraLight offers user-controlled tension, resulting in accurate tuning on all four test guitars. However, achieving optimal tuning required more tweaking and attention compared to some other screw-type capos.
Ease of Use: Screw-type capos are generally less convenient than quick-release designs, and the UltraLight is no exception. One-handed placement is not feasible, although removal and repositioning are relatively simple. The screw mechanism can also fully detach if unscrewed too far, which can be slightly inconvenient.
Build Quality: While decently made, the G7th UltraLight’s lightweight construction makes it feel somewhat fragile. However, it proved surprisingly resilient during testing, withstanding twisting and bending without damage.
Value for Money: The G7th UltraLight is an affordable option that delivers accurate tuning. However, its slightly less user-friendly design and delicate feel may make other capos in this review more appealing, especially the G7th Performance 2 if budget allows.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars) – Good but with faults
Donner DC-2
Donner DC-2 Spring Loaded Guitar Capo – Budget Option with Quaver Symbol
Features: The Donner DC-2 is another spring-loaded capo in the budget category. It features a spring with “internal memory” for strength and fatigue resistance, according to the manufacturer. Aesthetically, it includes a quaver symbol, which may be a matter of personal preference.
Tuning: The Donner DC-2 unfortunately suffers from significant tuning issues common to many unadjustable spring-loaded capos. It only achieved accurate tuning on one of our four test guitars (the Aria) and consistently pulled other guitars sharp across all frets. Sustain also noticeably diminished at higher frets.
Ease of Use: The Donner DC-2 is easy to use, typical of spring-loaded capos. One-handed operation is simple, and the spring tension is not overly strong. However, careful placement is necessary to avoid catching strings and exacerbating tuning issues.
Build Quality: The Donner DC-2 feels solid and robust, suggesting good durability despite its budget price.
Value for Money: Despite positive Amazon reviews, the Donner DC-2’s significant tuning problems make it a poor value proposition. While inexpensive, its inability to maintain accurate tuning negates its other potential benefits.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars) – Poor
Shubb F1
Features: The Shubb F1 is a premium, yoke-style capo with a classic design. It is designed to be left on the guitar headstock when not in use, minimizing the risk of misplacement.
Tuning: The Shubb F1 delivers exceptional tuning accuracy. The adjustable screw mechanism provides precise tension control, allowing for fine-tuning to achieve perfect intonation on any guitar. Its yoke design applies even pressure across the neck, further enhancing tuning stability.
Ease of Use: The Shubb F1 is user-friendly, with an easily adjustable screw knob. The only minor challenge encountered was on a guitar with higher action and a thicker neck, where more tightening was required at higher frets. Shubb offers the F3 model for wider neck guitars.
Build Quality: The Shubb F1 is meticulously crafted and feels like a high-quality piece of instrument hardware. Its precise construction and robust materials ensure long-lasting durability.
Value for Money: While more expensive than many capos, the Shubb F1 offers excellent value due to its exceptional tuning, ease of use, and enduring build quality. Its classic design and “always-there” convenience further enhance its appeal.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) – Awesome! – Best Buy
Thalia 200
Thalia 200 Interchangeable Fretpad Guitar Capo – Premium and Customizable
Features: The Thalia 200 is a unique and premium capo featuring interchangeable fretpads. It comes with 7 different fretpads designed to match the fretboard radius of your guitar, aiming to eliminate tuning issues associated with clamp-type capos.
Tuning: Initial testing with the standard fretpad revealed the need for adjustment to achieve optimal tuning. However, once the correct fretpad was selected for each guitar, the Thalia 200 provided near-perfect tuning accuracy across the entire neck.
Ease of Use: The Thalia 200 is straightforward to use, with a quick-start guide provided. Repositioning is effortless and can be done one-handed. Changing fretpads is quick and simple, making it adaptable for use with multiple guitars.
Build Quality: The Thalia 200 is beautifully crafted and feels like a piece of fine instrument jewelry. The Santos rosewood inlay on our test model is visually stunning, and other design options are equally attractive.
Value for Money: The Thalia 200 is a premium capo that justifies its price with its exceptional tuning accuracy, customization options, and exquisite build quality. It’s a top-tier investment for discerning guitarists.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) – Awesome! – Best Buy
D’Addario/Planet Waves NS
Adagio Pro Deluxe Spring Loaded Guitar Capo with Pin Puller
Features: The D’Addario/Planet Waves NS capo is a long-standing, reliable screw-type capo with a simple, functional design. It features a jet black finish and a screw for adjusting string pressure.
Tuning: The D’Addario NS capo has consistently provided reliable tuning performance. In our tests, it tuned very well, although slightly more tightening was needed on the screw side to ensure even clamping pressure.
Ease of Use: Screw-type capos are generally less quick to apply than spring-loaded models, and the NS capo is no exception. One-handed operation is possible with practice, but may require assistance from the picking hand, especially at higher frets.
Build Quality: The D’Addario NS capo is solidly built and durable. Constructed from molded ABS thermoplastic, it feels robust and built to last. Its simple design minimizes potential points of failure.
Value for Money: The D’Addario NS capo offers excellent value. It’s an affordable and reliable option, making it an ideal first capo or a dependable backup.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars) – Very good – Value Pick
Kyser
Kyser Quick Change Spring Loaded Guitar Capo – Stylish and Functional
Features: The Kyser Quick Change capo is a popular spring-based capo known for its ease of use and stylish design. Available in a wide range of colors, including the maple finish we tested, it is visually appealing.
Tuning: The Kyser capo delivers good tuning performance, but requires some practice to find the optimal placement for precise intonation, as is common with spring-loaded capos. Once “broken in,” it tuned accurately on three of our four test guitars, but exhibited slight sharpness on the Les Paul.
Ease of Use: The Kyser capo is very easy to use, although the spring tension is slightly tighter than some other spring-loaded capos. Its design, which encourages placement from the bass string side, prevents the capo from obstructing the fretting hand.
Build Quality: The Kyser capo is well-made and feels more premium than its price suggests. Its robust construction and smooth, varnished finish contribute to its overall quality feel and appearance.
Value for Money: The Kyser Quick Change capo offers excellent value. It’s a stylish, functional, and well-performing capo at a reasonable price.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars) – Very good
What is the Best Guitar Capo? – Conclusion
Our comprehensive review revealed a range of excellent guitar capos, with a few standouts and some that didn’t quite measure up.
Our top recommendations, based on overall performance, are the G7th Performance 2, Shubb F1, and Thalia 200. These capos excelled in tuning accuracy, ease of use, build quality, and overall design. While they represent a higher price point, they exemplify the adage “you get what you pay for.”
For guitarists on a tighter budget, the D’Addario/Planet Waves NS, Kyser, and Dellwing offer solid performance and good value.
It’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a capo. Factors like guitar neck size and personal playing style can influence your ideal choice. Some manufacturers, like Shubb and G7th, offer models designed for different neck widths and guitar types.
Ultimately, the best guitar capo is the one that best suits your individual needs and playing style. We encourage you to consider the capos reviewed here and explore which one will elevate your guitar playing experience.
Guitar Capos and Guitars Used for Testing
About the Testing
To provide a comprehensive and unbiased assessment, we tested each capo on four guitars with varying neck profiles and characteristics:
- Cort MR-710F (Acoustic)
- Aria AGP-001 (Acoustic)
- Yamaha Pacifica 812v (Electric)
- Epiphone Les Paul (Electric)
All guitars were meticulously intonated and tuned prior to testing. We assessed tuning accuracy at frets 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 with each capo. Testing also included playing excerpts from songs like “Fast Car” and “Scarborough Fair” to evaluate capo performance in practical musical contexts, encompassing both fingerpicking and strumming techniques. Our testing focused primarily on acoustic guitars but included electric guitars to ensure broad applicability of our findings.
