Capos are an indispensable tool for the modern guitarist. Forget the outdated notion that capos are for less skilled players. In reality, they are a fantastic accessory that simplifies guitar learning, boosts creativity, and unlocks a world of musical possibilities. Many beautiful fingerpicking pieces, as you may know from courses like Fingerpicking Classics, actually require a capo to be played correctly. Students frequently ask for capo recommendations, so I decided to put a wide range to the test.
Over the past month, I’ve gathered a diverse collection of guitar capos, from budget-friendly options to premium models, and rigorously tested them. My aim is to provide you with a no-nonsense review to help you find the best guitar capo for your needs. This roundup includes capos from popular brands to lesser-known budget options with strong Amazon reviews. Among the ten capos reviewed, there’s bound to be one that suits your budget, playing style, and personal preference.
Guitar Capo Testing Methodology
Each guitar capo underwent thorough testing on four different guitars to assess performance across varied neck profiles and string setups. The evaluation criteria included:
Key Features
Capos come in various designs, each with advantages and disadvantages. This section details the type of capo and noteworthy features of each model.
Tuning Stability
One common frustration with capos is their potential to throw your guitar out of tune. This often happens when a capo clamps too tightly, stretching the strings and altering their pitch. You might experience that subtle unease where something sounds off after applying a capo. Retuning with the capo in place becomes necessary, a minor inconvenience compared to playing out of tune.
In this review, tuning accuracy is a critical focus. I assessed each capo’s intonation using a tuner at frets 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 to identify any tuning discrepancies.
Me, excited to test a box of guitar capos.
Ease of Use
Capo usability varies greatly. Some are cumbersome to attach, remove, or reposition. To gauge ease of use, I performed a ‘one-handed test’ for each capo, simulating quick changes during performance.
Build Quality and Durability
A reliable capo must be robust and durable enough to withstand frequent use. A fragile capo is useless if it breaks after only a short period. The build quality assessment checks for sturdiness and resilience to everyday wear and tear, including accidental drops.
Value for Money
The reviewed capos span a wide price range, from the premium Thalia 200 ($79.99) to the budget Donner DC-2 ($8.49). Most fall within the $10-$30 range. I’ve included links to US Amazon listings and manufacturer websites where available to help you compare prices and availability.
Rating System
Each capo receives a rating out of 5, using ‘G’s (for ‘guitar’) instead of stars to represent my assessment. Here’s the rating scale:
Awesome!
Very good but not quite perfect!
Good but with faults!
A little shoddy!
Oh oh, this is pretty poor!
Guitar Capo Review Results: Finding the Best Acoustic Guitar Capo
Here are my reviews of each capo, presented in the random order they were unboxed:
Shubb S1 Capo Review
Features
The Shubb S1 is a stainless steel capo featuring an adjustable screw for precise tuning at any fret. Designed for most acoustic and electric guitars, Shubb also offers models for classical and 12-string guitars.
Tuning Performance
Testing on four guitars revealed the Shubb S1’s excellent tuning and intonation across various frets. Minor screw adjustments while in position ensure accuracy, maintaining consistent tuning even with moderate fret changes.
Ease of Use Evaluation
While slightly more intricate than some capos, the Shubb S1 becomes manageable with practice and can be applied one-handedly. Adjusting intonation with the screw is straightforward.
Build Quality Assessment
The deluxe stainless steel model is notably robust, resisting scratches and nicks better than the standard brass and nickel-plated version. Made in the USA, its craftsmanship is evident in its feel and appearance.
Value Proposition
The Shubb S1 balances slight inconvenience in setup with exceptional value. Its high quality, tuning accuracy, and reasonable price make it a worthwhile addition to any guitarist’s toolkit.
Rating
Verdict: Get it!
Adagio Pro Deluxe Capo Review
Image alt text: Adagio Pro Deluxe guitar capo close up, showcasing its spring-loaded mechanism and peg remover inlay.
Features
The Adagio Pro Deluxe is a budget-friendly, spring-loaded capo. Uniquely, it includes a built-in bridge pin puller for acoustic guitar string changes, a surprisingly useful addition.
Tuning Performance
Unfortunately, the Adagio Pro Deluxe suffers from significant tuning problems. It consistently renders notes sharp, requires precise placement to avoid string buzz, and exhibits poor sustain.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Like most spring capos, it’s easy to use but the narrow clamp spacing can catch strings during application, potentially worsening tuning issues.
Build Quality Assessment
Despite tuning flaws, the build quality is surprisingly solid and durable.
Value Proposition
While inexpensive, the Adagio Pro Deluxe’s severe tuning problems make it a poor investment. Functionality outweighs features or ease of use; if a capo doesn’t tune well, its other attributes are irrelevant.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Avoid it!)
- Amazon
- Manufacturer: No website
G7th Performance 2 Capo Review
Features
The G7th Performance 2 capo stands out with its non-spring-loaded design, utilizing G7th’s Tension Control system. This allows manual adjustment of tension on the guitar neck.
Tuning Performance
The adjustable tension system eliminates common tuning issues associated with spring capos. By controlling the pressure, you can fine-tune intonation, a significant advantage over fixed-tension capos. Slight adjustments by squeezing or loosening ensure accurate tuning.
Ease of Use Evaluation
The G7th Performance 2 is exceptionally user-friendly. Minimal adjustment is needed for precise tuning. Simply place, squeeze until it feels right, and you’re ready to play. Intuitive and easily operated one-handed.
Build Quality Assessment
Superb build quality; compact, robust, and durable. It withstands drops and regular use without damage.
Value Proposition
The Performance 2 is an excellent investment, offering superior performance and durability.
It combines ease of use, one-handed operation, perfect tuning, and robust construction in a stylish, albeit functional, design.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Best Buy)
Dellwing Capo Review
Image alt text: Dellwing guitar capo in silver, spring-loaded mechanism visible, positioned on a guitar neck.
Features
The Dellwing is a hefty, budget-friendly spring capo, surprisingly weighty for its category. Its robust build is perhaps its most notable feature. It’s a no-frills, straightforward spring-loaded capo.
Tuning Performance
Surprisingly accurate for a budget spring capo on three of the four test guitars. The Aria guitar showed sharpness across most frets, but tuning was accurate on the others, exceeding expectations for its type.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Easy to use, but its wide clamp spacing and smooth finish can make one-handed operation slightly challenging, especially for smaller hands. Proper hand placement is crucial to avoid needing a second hand.
Build Quality Assessment
Extremely robust, described as “built like a tank.” While not aesthetically refined, it’s built for durability.
Value Proposition
Good value for money. Its accuracy and ease of use for a spring capo are commendable.
Rating
Verdict: Get it!
- Amazon
- Manufacturer: No website
G7th UltraLight Capo Review
Image alt text: G7th UltraLight guitar capo, screw-style and lightweight design, next to a guitar headstock.
Features
The G7th UltraLight is a budget-oriented, screw-style capo focused on tuning stability and sustain. It’s remarkably light at only 8 grams and very compact.
Tuning Performance
As a screw-based capo, it offers excellent tuning control. It tuned accurately on all four test guitars, requiring minor tension adjustments to achieve perfect intonation. However, it’s less intuitive than some other screw capos.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Typical of screw capos, it’s not the easiest to use, and one-handed placement is impossible. Removal and repositioning are simple. The screw can detach if unscrewed too far, a minor inconvenience.
Build Quality Assessment
Decently made but feels somewhat flimsy due to its lightness. Despite feeling delicate, it’s surprisingly durable when flexed, though the fragile feel is a drawback.
Value Proposition
Affordable and tunes accurately, more durable than it feels, but has flaws and better alternatives exist for the price.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Consider Alternatives)
Donner DC-2 Capo Review
Image alt text: Donner DC-2 guitar capo in black, spring-loaded with a musical note symbol, on a guitar fretboard.
Features
The Donner DC-2 is a spring-loaded capo with a claimed “internal memory” spring for durability. Aesthetically, it’s reasonably appealing, though the quaver symbol might be considered slightly cliché.
Tuning Performance
The Donner DC-2 suffers from significant tuning issues common to spring capos. It only tuned accurately on the Aria guitar, with sharpness on all other guitars across all frets. Sustain also diminishes noticeably at higher frets.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Easy to use, typical spring capo operation, and one-handed use is simple. The spring tension is moderate. Care is needed to avoid string displacement during application, especially on thicker necks, as this exacerbates tuning problems.
Build Quality Assessment
Solid and robust, unlikely to break easily.
Value Proposition
Despite positive Amazon reviews, the Donner DC-2 is a poor performer due to tuning problems. While affordable, its tuning deficiencies negate any value.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Avoid it – Poor Tuning)
Shubb F1 Capo Review
Features
The Shubb F1 is a premium, traditional yoke-style capo designed to remain on the guitar even when not in use. It can be moved past the nut and tightened lightly for storage, preventing loss – a significant advantage.
Tuning Performance
Exceptional tuning accuracy. Adjustable tension via a screw allows precise control, and the yoke design applies even pressure across the neck, unlike many capos that clamp unevenly.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Very easy to use with a simple screw adjustment knob. The only minor issue was on a guitar with high action and a thicker neck, where extra tightening was needed at higher frets. For such guitars, the Shubb F3 (designed for wider necks) might be more suitable.
Build Quality Assessment
Exquisitely built and durable, almost jewel-like in its precision. Far superior in feel and construction to budget capos.
Value Proposition
Though expensive, the Shubb F1 offers excellent value due to its high quality, durability, ease of use, and near-impossibility of losing it.
Its classic design and superior performance justify the higher price.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Premium Choice)
- Amazon: Currently unavailable
- Manufacturer
Thalia 200 Capo Review
Image alt text: Thalia 200 guitar capo with Santos rosewood inlay, showcasing its unique fretpad system and design.
Features
The Thalia 200 is unique, featuring interchangeable fretpads (7 included) to match your guitar’s fretboard radius. This innovative design aims to eliminate tuning problems common with clamp-style capos.
Tuning Performance
Initial testing with the standard fretpad showed a need for adjustment. However, once the correct fretpad was selected, tuning accuracy became impeccable across all guitars and fret positions.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Simple to use with a quick start guide. Easy to move and reposition one-handedly. Fretpad changes are quick, ideal for use with multiple guitars.
Build Quality Assessment
Beautifully crafted with a high level of craftsmanship. The Santos rosewood inlay is aesthetically pleasing, and other designs are equally impressive.
Value Proposition
One of the most accurate, versatile, and user-friendly capos available, ensuring precise tuning across various guitars.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Pro-Level Investment)
D’Addario/Planet Waves NS Capo Review
Features
The D’Addario/Planet Waves NS Capo is a long-standing reliable screw capo, seen in many guitar tutorial videos. It features a basic black design and screw-adjustable pressure.
Tuning Performance
Consistently reliable tuning performance. Testing confirmed its accuracy, though it requires firm tightening as one side can feel slightly less secure than the screw side.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Screw capos are generally less convenient than quick-release types but offer better tuning. The NS Capo is reasonably easy to use, and one-handed operation is possible with practice, though clamping at higher frets might require two hands.
Build Quality Assessment
Solid but not exceptional build. Durable enough to last for years, constructed from molded ABS thermoplastic. Simple design with minimal parts contributes to its robustness.
Value Proposition
Excellent value as a reliable primary or backup capo.
Affordable, dependable, and a great choice for beginners or as a spare.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Value Choice)
Kyser Quick-Change Capo Review
Features
The Kyser Quick-Change is a spring capo known for its ease of use and stylish appearance. Available in various colors, the maple finish tested is particularly attractive.
Tuning Performance
Good tuning performance, but requires practice to find the optimal placement for maximum accuracy, typical of spring capos. After a brief break-in period, tuning improved and was accurate on three of four test guitars, except for slight sharpness on the Les Paul.
Ease of Use Evaluation
Easy to use, though the spring tension is quite strong. Designed for bass-side application to avoid hand interference, a thoughtful design detail.
Build Quality Assessment
Well-made and feels more expensive than it is. Strong construction with a smooth, varnished finish that looks and feels premium.
Value Proposition
Excellent value for money. The Kyser Quick-Change offers good performance and a premium feel at a reasonable price.
Rating
Verdict: Get it! (Stylish and Functional)
Conclusion: What is the Best Acoustic Guitar Capo?
Most capos reviewed performed well, some exceptionally so, and a few poorly. My top recommendations are the Shubb F1, Thalia 200, and G7th Performance 2. These stand out for tuning accuracy, ease of use, build quality, and overall design. While pricier, they exemplify the principle that you get what you pay for, representing truly excellent capos.
If forced to choose just one, the G7th Performance 2 would be my top pick, but the other two are also fantastic. The notion of separate “best capos” for acoustic or electric guitars is largely a myth; these three excel across guitar types.
For budget-conscious players, the D’Addario NS, Kyser, or Dellwing are good choices for various guitars. Remember that some manufacturers offer different capo sizes for varying neck dimensions, which is important for acoustic guitars with wider necks.
Image alt text: Guitarist’s collection of reviewed guitar capos and guitars, showcasing the variety of equipment used for testing.
Testing Parameters
Capo testing was conducted on the following guitars, chosen for their diverse neck profiles:
- Cort MR-710F (Acoustic)
- Aria AGP-001 (Acoustic)
- Yamaha Pacifica 812v (Electric)
- Epiphone Les Paul (Electric)
All guitars were accurately intonated, and tuning was checked before each capo test to ensure precise assessment of capo-induced tuning issues. While testing focused more on acoustic guitars, electric guitar performance was also evaluated.
Beyond tuning, playability was assessed using pieces from songs like Fast Car and Scarborough Fair. These songs offer a mix of fingerpicking and strumming styles and are well-suited for capo use.
I plan to conduct more round-up reviews if readers find this format helpful. Your feedback is valuable, so please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts on these capos, your favorites, or any capos you dislike.
