Welcome to GuitarPlayers.net, your go-to resource for all things guitar! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Acoustic Guitar Capos. Once looked down upon by purists, capos are now recognized as essential tools for the modern guitarist. They offer incredible versatility, making learning easier, playing more enjoyable, and unlocking new creative possibilities.
In fact, a capo is among the best guitar accessories any beginner should invest in. Whether you’re exploring beautiful fingerpicking arrangements or simply want to play in different keys without retuning, the acoustic guitar capo is your friend. Many iconic fingerstyle songs, as you may know from our popular Fingerpicking Classics course, rely on the unique sounds a capo provides.
At guitarplayers.net, we frequently get asked for capo recommendations. So, we decided to put a wide range of capos to the test, from budget-friendly options to high-end models.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve rigorously tested a variety of capos, putting them through their paces to bring you this comprehensive review.
From widely popular choices to premium offerings and even some highly-rated budget capos from Amazon, we’ve covered a broad spectrum.
Among the ten capos reviewed, we’re confident you’ll find one that perfectly matches your budget, playing style, and personal preferences. Let’s get started and discover the best acoustic guitar capo for you.
How We Tested These Acoustic Guitar Capos
To ensure a fair and thorough evaluation, we tested each acoustic guitar capo on four different guitars, each with varying neck profiles and characteristics.
Our testing focused on key criteria to assess the performance and usability of each capo:
Features
Acoustic guitar capos come in various designs and mechanisms. We’ll outline the type of each capo, noting any unique features or design elements that set it apart. Understanding the different types—spring-loaded, screw-adjustable, toggle, and yoke-style—is crucial in choosing the right capo for your needs.
Tuning Stability
One of the most common frustrations with capos is their potential to throw your guitar out of tune. This often happens when a capo applies excessive pressure, stretching the strings and altering their pitch.
Have you ever tuned your guitar, applied a capo, and felt something sounded slightly off? It’s likely the capo causing tuning issues. Retuning with the capo in place is a workaround, but a quality capo should minimize this problem.
In this review, tuning stability is paramount. We meticulously checked the intonation of each capo using a tuner at frets 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 to identify any tuning discrepancies.
A reviewer excitedly examines a box of guitar capos.
Ease of Use
The ease of applying, removing, and repositioning a capo is crucial, especially during live performances or practice sessions. We performed a ‘one-handed test’ for each capo to evaluate its user-friendliness and speed of operation. A good acoustic guitar capo should be intuitive and quick to adjust.
Build Quality and Durability
A capo needs to be robust and reliable to withstand regular use. We assessed the build quality of each capo, considering its materials, construction, and overall sturdiness. A durable capo should endure accidental drops and the rigors of daily use without breaking or losing its functionality.
Value for Money
The price range of capos is vast, from budget-friendly to premium investments. We considered the price of each capo in relation to its performance, features, and build quality to determine its overall value for money. We’ve included links to U.S. Amazon listings and manufacturer websites (where available) to help you find the best deals.
Rating System
To provide a clear and concise summary, we rated each capo out of 5 using ‘G’s (for ‘guitar’) instead of stars. Here’s what our rating system signifies:
GGGGG Awesome!
GGGG Very good but not quite perfect!
GGG Good but with faults!
GG A little shoddy!
G Oh oh, this is pretty poor!
Acoustic Guitar Capo Review: Finding the Best Option for You
Here are our detailed reviews of each acoustic guitar capo, presented in the order we randomly picked them from the box.
Shubb S1
Features
The Shubb S1 is a renowned stainless steel capo featuring an adjustable screw mechanism. This design allows for fine-tuning the tension, aiming for precise intonation across all frets. The S1 is designed to fit both acoustic and electric guitars, with specialized models available for classical and 12-string guitars.
Tuning
The Shubb S1 impressed us with its tuning accuracy across all four test guitars and various fret positions. The adjustable screw is key, allowing for minor tension adjustments to achieve optimal intonation. For smaller fret changes, tuning remained consistently accurate.
Ease of Use
While slightly more intricate than some quick-release capos, the Shubb S1 becomes easy to use with a little practice. One-handed placement is achievable, and adjusting intonation via the screw is straightforward.
Build Quality
Our test model was the deluxe stainless steel version, offering superior resistance to scratches and wear compared to the standard brass and nickel-plated model. Made in the U.S.A., the Shubb S1 exudes quality craftsmanship, feeling solid and well-engineered.
Value For Money
Despite being slightly less convenient than some, the Shubb S1 offers excellent value. Its high quality, tuning accuracy, and reasonable price make it a worthwhile investment.
The Shubb S1 balances precision and value, making it a great all-around acoustic guitar capo.
Rating
GGGGG
Get it!
Adagio Pro Deluxe
Adagio Pro Deluxe capo on a guitar neck, showcasing its spring-loaded mechanism and peg-puller feature.
Features
The Adagio Pro Deluxe is a budget-friendly, spring-loaded capo with a surprising bonus: a built-in peg puller for acoustic guitar string changes.
Tuning
Unfortunately, tuning was a significant issue with the Adagio Pro Deluxe. It consistently produced sharp notes, and achieving clean, buzz-free sound with good sustain required extremely precise placement, which was often difficult to replicate.
Ease of Use
Like most spring capos, it’s easy to apply. However, the narrow gap between the clamp and arm increases the risk of catching strings during application, potentially exacerbating tuning problems.
Build Quality
Despite its tuning flaws, the Adagio Pro Deluxe feels surprisingly robust and durable for a budget capo.
Value For Money
While affordable, the Adagio Pro Deluxe’s poor tuning performance makes it a questionable purchase.
Even with its added peg-puller feature, the Adagio Pro Deluxe’s tuning instability is a major drawback, making it hard to recommend.
Rating
GG
Get it!
- Amazon
- Manufacturer: (No website)
G7th Performance 2
Features
The G7th Performance 2 stands out with its unique Tension Control system, ditching the traditional spring mechanism. This allows you to precisely control the pressure applied to the guitar neck for optimal tuning.
Tuning
The adjustable tension system of the G7th Performance 2 eliminates the tuning problems common with fixed-tension spring capos. You can fine-tune the pressure by squeezing the capo, achieving accurate intonation. Minor adjustments are easy—simply squeeze or release slightly to perfect the tuning.
Ease of Use
The G7th Performance 2 is exceptionally user-friendly. It requires minimal adjustment for precise tuning. Simply position it, squeeze until it feels right, and you’re ready to play. It’s intuitive and passes the one-handed test with ease after a few uses.
Build Quality
The G7th Performance 2 is built to a very high standard. It feels compact, solid, and robust. It can withstand drops and regular use without damage.
Value For Money
The Performance 2 is a worthwhile investment. Its ease of use, perfect tuning, and durable construction make it a top performer.
The G7th Performance 2 is a superb acoustic guitar capo – easy to use, tunes perfectly, built to last, and stylish in its functional design.
Rating
GGGGG
Get it!
Dellwing
Dellwing capo on a guitar fretboard, showing its spring mechanism and robust build.
Features
The Dellwing is another budget-friendly, spring-loaded capo. It’s noticeably large and heavy, though the reason for its heft isn’t immediately clear. It’s a straightforward, no-frills design.
Tuning
Surprisingly, the Dellwing capo performed well in tuning accuracy for a budget spring model. It tuned accurately on three of our four test guitars across all frets tested. The Aria guitar was an exception, tuning slightly sharp, but overall, the Dellwing exceeded expectations.
Ease of Use
The Dellwing is easy to use, but its wide clamp spacing and smooth finish can make one-handed operation tricky, especially for players with smaller hands. Squeezing the clamps may require precise hand positioning, potentially needing a second hand for adjustment.
Build Quality
The Dellwing feels exceptionally sturdy, almost overbuilt. It may not have a premium aesthetic, but it’s built to endure. Just be mindful of its weight when handling it around your guitar.
Value For Money
The Dellwing offers good value, especially considering its surprising tuning accuracy for a spring capo.
For a budget spring-loaded capo, the Dellwing is accurate, easy to use, and performs well across various fret positions without requiring excessive hand strength.
Rating
GGGG
Get it!
- Amazon
- Manufacturer: (No website)
G7th UltraLight
G7th UltraLight capo, highlighting its lightweight design and screw-adjustable tension system.
Features
The G7th UltraLight is a screw-style capo designed for budget-conscious players who prioritize tuning stability and sustain. It’s remarkably lightweight, weighing only 8 grams.
Tuning
Like other screw-based capos, the UltraLight offers adjustable tension for precise tuning. It delivered accurate tuning on all four test guitars, but achieving perfect intonation required careful tweaking of the screw while using a tuner. It’s not as instantly intuitive as some other screw capos.
Ease of Use
Screw-type capos generally aren’t as easy to use as quick-release models, and the UltraLight is no exception. One-handed placement is difficult, although removal and repositioning are straightforward. Be cautious not to unscrew it too much, as the screw can detach.
Build Quality
While reasonably well-made, the UltraLight’s extremely light weight gives it a slightly flimsy feel. However, it is more durable than it initially appears. Its flexibility demonstrates surprising resilience.
Value For Money
The UltraLight is affordable and offers accurate tuning, exceeding expectations for its price point. However, its slightly delicate feel and fiddly screw mechanism are drawbacks.
If you’re on a tight budget, the UltraLight is a decent option, but consider other capos in this review or saving for the superior Performance 2 for a better G7th experience.
Rating
GGG
Get it!
Donner DC-2
Donner DC-2 capo with a quaver symbol, illustrating its spring-loaded design.
Features
The Donner DC-2 is a spring-loaded capo with a spring described as having “internal memory for strength and fatigue resistance.” It has a visually appealing design, though the quaver symbol might be a bit much for some.
Tuning
The Donner DC-2, like many spring capos, struggles with tuning accuracy, but to a greater extent. Out of four guitars, it only tuned accurately on the Aria. All other guitars exhibited sharpness across all frets. Sustain also noticeably diminished at higher frets.
Ease of Use
As a spring capo, the DC-2 is simple to use and easy to apply one-handed. The spring tension is well-balanced, not too tight. However, be careful on guitars with thicker necks to avoid catching strings during application, which can worsen tuning issues.
Build Quality
The Donner DC-2 feels robust and solid, unlikely to break easily.
Value For Money
Despite positive Amazon reviews, the DC-2’s poor tuning performance is a significant drawback.
Unless tuning accuracy is not a concern, the Donner DC-2 is hard to recommend. Its tuning problems overshadow its ease of use and build quality.
Rating
GG
Get it!
Shubb F1
Features
The Shubb F1 is a premium, classic yoke-style capo designed to remain on your guitar even when not in use. When not needed, it slides past the nut and tightens slightly to stay in place – a great feature for players prone to misplacing capos!
Tuning
The Shubb F1 offers exceptional tuning control. The adjustable screw allows for precise tension adjustment, providing full control over intonation. The yoke design applies pressure evenly across the neck, unlike many capos that can exert uneven pressure.
Ease of Use
The Shubb F1 is very user-friendly. The screw adjustment knob makes tension adjustments easy for different guitars. On the Cort guitar, with its higher action and thicker neck, more tightening was needed at higher frets. For wider necks, the F3 model is recommended.
Build Quality
The Shubb F1 is exceptionally well-built, almost jewel-like in its precision. It’s a significant step up in quality compared to budget capos, built for durability and longevity.
Value For Money
While pricier than entry-level capos, the Shubb F1 offers excellent value due to its superior quality, ease of use, tuning accuracy, and the virtually unlosable design.
The Shubb F1 is a fantastic acoustic guitar capo. Its classic design and exceptional performance make it worth the investment.
Rating
GGGGG
Get it!
- Amazon: (Currently unavailable on Amazon)
- Manufacturer
Thalia 200
Thalia 200 capo with a rosewood inlay, showcasing its interchangeable fretpads and elegant design.
Features
The Thalia 200 is a unique capo that comes with 7 interchangeable fretpads to match your guitar’s fretboard radius. This innovative feature aims to eliminate tuning issues caused by mismatched capo curvature and fretboard radius.
Tuning
Initial testing with the standard fretpad revealed the need for adjustment. Once the correct fretpad was selected for each guitar, tuning accuracy became virtually perfect across the neck. Changing fretpads is quick and easy, making it versatile for use with multiple guitars.
Ease of Use
The Thalia 200 is simple to use. A quick start guide is included for initial setup. It moves smoothly along the neck and is easily operated one-handed.
Build Quality
The Thalia 200 exhibits exceptional craftsmanship. It feels like a high-quality, precision-engineered instrument accessory. The Santos rosewood inlay on our test model is beautiful, and other inlay designs are also available.
Value For Money
The Thalia 200 is a premium capo offering unparalleled tuning accuracy, versatility, and ease of use.
While not the cheapest, the Thalia 200 is a worthwhile investment for serious guitarists seeking a pro-level capo.
Rating
GGGGG
Get it!
D’Addario/Planet Waves NS
Features
The D’Addario/Planet Waves NS Capo is a long-standing, reliable screw-adjustable capo. Its straightforward, jet-black design and screw mechanism for tension adjustment are simple and effective.
Tuning
The NS Capo has consistently provided good tuning performance over years of use. In our tests, it tuned well, although it requires a firm squeeze, as the side opposite the screw can feel slightly less powerful in clamping force.
Ease of Use
Screw capos aren’t as quick as spring capos, but the NS Capo is reasonably user-friendly. One-handed operation is possible with practice, though clamping at higher frets might require assistance from your picking hand.
Build Quality
The NS Capo is solidly built but not extravagant. It has proven durable over time. Constructed from molded ABS thermoplastic, it’s well-assembled with minimal parts.
Value For Money
The D’Addario NS Capo is an excellent value, making it a great primary or backup capo.
The D’Addario/Planet Waves NS Capo is a reliable, affordable option – not fancy, but effective and a great value for money.
Rating
GGGG
Get it!
Kyser
Features
The Kyser Quick-Change capo is a classic spring-based capo known for its ease of use and distinctive style. Our maple finish model looks particularly smart, and Kyser offers a wide range of colors.
Tuning
Tuning with the Kyser is generally good, but like many spring capos, precise placement is key for optimal intonation. After a short break-in period, tuning improved, performing well on 3 of the 4 test guitars. It tuned slightly sharp on the Les Paul.
Ease of Use
The Kyser is very easy to use, though the spring is a bit tight, requiring a firm grip. Its design subtly encourages placement from the bass string side, preventing the capo from obstructing your fretting hand.
Build Quality
The Kyser is well-made, feeling and looking more expensive than its price suggests. Its robust construction and smoothly varnished finish give it a premium look and feel.
Value For Money
The Kyser offers great value, being one of the more affordable capos in our review. Despite being slightly tight and not ideal for the Les Paul in our test, it’s a very good capo overall.
Rating
GGGG
Get it!
The Verdict: What is the Best Acoustic Guitar Capo?
The majority of the capos reviewed performed admirably, with some being truly exceptional and only a few falling short.
Our top picks are the Shubb F1, Thalia 200, and G7th Performance 2.
These three stand out for their superior tuning accuracy, ease of use, build quality, and overall design. While they are among the pricier options, they demonstrate that investing in quality yields significant benefits.
If we had to choose just one, the G7th Performance 2 would narrowly take the top spot, but the other two are also outstanding choices.
Contrary to the idea of specialized capos for acoustic or electric guitars, these top performers prove that a great capo is simply a great capo, versatile across guitar types.
For players on a tighter budget, the D’Addario NS, Kyser, or Dellwing capos offer solid performance on various guitars.
Remember to consider your guitar’s neck profile. Some manufacturers, like Shubb and G7th, offer models in different sizes to accommodate wider or thicker necks.
A collection of acoustic guitars and capos, showcasing various guitars used in the capo review.
About Our Testing Process
We conducted consistent tests on the following guitars to rigorously evaluate each capo across different neck types:
- Cort MR-710F
- Aria AGP-001
- Yamaha Pacifica 812v
- Epiphone Les Paul
All guitars were accurately intonated, and we verified string tuning before capo application to precisely measure any tuning changes induced by the capo.
While we focused primarily on acoustic guitars, we also tested each capo on electric guitars to assess their versatility.
Beyond tuning tests, we played excerpts from songs like “Fast Car” and “Scarborough Fair” to evaluate capo performance in real-world playing scenarios, encompassing fingerpicking and strumming techniques.
We plan to bring you more round-up reviews in the future if you find this format helpful and informative. Your feedback is valuable, so please let us know your thoughts!
Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below sharing your experiences with the capos reviewed, your favorite capo, or any capos you dislike. We’d love to hear from you!
