Every guitarist needs a capo they can trust. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a capo out there to suit your specific playing style and guitar shape. Most capos can adapt universally to acoustic and electric guitars, but before you buy the first capo that appeals to you, here are a few things to consider.
Capos, while simple tools, come in various designs and options that initially may seem overwhelming. Firstly, consider whether your instrument has a curved or flat fingerboard. The capo you choose needs to provide the correct all-around tension without squeezing the strings so tightly that they need retuning. Secondly, consider when and how you’ll use the capo. For instance, if you gig constantly, then you’ll need a capo that can attach and detach from the neck quickly. But a capo that screws down might be more your speed if you only play at home. Below, you’ll find various capos that suit any guitar and playing style — and maybe a little more!
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- D’Addario NS Artist Capo
- Paige 6-string Standard Guitar Capo
- Kyser Quick-Change Capo
- Dunlop 63CBK Trigger Fly Acoustic Guitar Capo
- Ernie Ball Axis Capo
- G7th Performance 3 Steel-string Guitar Capo
- Shubb C1 Standard Capo for Steel-string Guitar
- Creative Tunings Spider Capo
D’Addario NS Artist Capo
Eliminate lateral string pull and sharp strings
Starting off our list is the D’Addario NS Artist capo. This capo features an adjustable tension feature so you can dial in the right amount of pressure on your strings without causing them to need retuning. This capo is made from lightweight aluminum and won’t drag you down with unwanted heft. Its Ned Steinberger design features Artist geometry for quick and easy usage. The design of the NS Artist also eliminates lateral string pull by distributing tension evenly across all six strings, no matter the neck profile of your guitar. The best part? It has an integrated pick holder so you can always keep an extra plectrum close at hand.
Paige 6-string Standard Guitar Capo
Direct center-tension design
The Paige 6-string Standard guitar capo works under the direct center-tension capo design. Paige listened carefully to artists and developed this design to effectively end annoying string buzz by providing the perfect and equal amount of string tension from the capo bar’s center. Adjusting the Paige capo is easy with a few turns of the knurled knob. What’s more, you can securely store it behind the nut of the guitar for quick and accessible use. With a 16-inch radius, this capo is suitable for most electric and acoustic guitars. Lastly, its steel construction means that this capo is just about indestructible, which is great for constant gigs and traveling!
Kyser Quick-Change Capo
It’s all in the name
When speed is the name of the game, opt for a Kyser Quick-Change capo. With a swift clamp, this capo easily and firmly attaches to your guitar’s neck — whether electric or acoustic. Beginners and experienced players alike choose this capo for its ease of use and durable aluminum construction. What’s great about this capo is how simply a player can reposition it to get the perfect voicing out of all six strings. The Kyser Quick-Change comes in many styles and finishes so you can match it to your unique style. It also makes an excellent gift for other guitarists!
Dunlop 63CBK Trigger Fly Acoustic Guitar Capo
This one’s for the acoustics in the room
Another capo with a simple, sleek design is the Dunlop 63CBK Trigger Fly acoustic guitar capo. It caters specifically to the tension needs of acoustic players. This capo is ergonomically shaped and firmly grips your strings without sacrificing your tuning. Plus, its design is spring-loaded for quick and painless wielding and allows for an easy fit up to the seventh fret of your acoustic without compromising tone. The small footprint of the 63CBK Trigger Fly means that it can fit comfortably inside your acoustic gig bag, too — or even in your shirt pocket! Dunlop’s done it again with another fantastic guitar accessory.
Ernie Ball Axis Capo
One capo to rule them all
Simple design — simply amazing. The Ernie Ball Axis capo may not look like much on the outside, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile capo on the market today — and for such a great price. Always in tune with its customer base, Ernie Ball manufactured the Axis capo for versatility on electrics or acoustics. This capo can be used on various fingerboard sizes thanks to its reversible design. From flat to radiused and ukulele to seven strings, this capo has the width for all of the above and everything in between. It even comes in gold!
G7th Performance 3 Steel-string Guitar Capo
Adaptive Radius Technology steals the show
The patented Adaptive Radius Technology (ART) makes the G7th Performance 3 steel-string guitar capo a shining star on our list. Thanks to ART, the Performance 3 capo effectively eliminates problems like string buzzing and detuned strings as it adapts to your specific fingerboard radius. This capo also slides up and down the neck like a charm, courtesy of its squeeze-to-release mechanism. So, if you play acoustic and switch to electric halfway through your gig, then the Performance 3 capo can switch between them without missing a beat, too. Its hand-polished look also adds a nice touch to this capo; it’s emblematic of the care and detail put in by G7th.
Shubb C1 Standard Capo for Steel-string Guitar
A capo that grips like your fingertip
If you want a capo with a steady, sure grip, then the Shubb C1 Standard capo for steel-string guitar has your back. This capo uses a patented over-center locking action, employs a soft rubber pad, and is engineered to function like the human hand. Just give the screw knob a few twists, and you’re ready to go. With all these elements, you can rest assured that this capo won’t detune your strings due to uneven pressure or side pulling. While this one works for acoustic and electric steel-string guitars, Shubb also makes capos for 12-string guitars, banjos, classical guitars, and more.
Creative Tunings Spider Capo
Open the doors to unique tunings
If you want to shake things up with a unique capo that can achieve unique tunings, then the Creative Tunings Spider capo has your name on it. Lovers of alternate tunings and those seeking renewed musical inspiration will find what they want in this capo. Using individual, lever-triggered pads for each string, this capo helps you attain open, standard, and custom tunings with a simple lever flip! You can even lift the levers during a song to switch from one tuning to another during a chord change. The Spider capo attaches to your guitar’s neck from the sides, easily accommodating different neck shapes and fingerboard radiuses.
Put a Capo on It!
A capo is to a guitarist as a paintbrush is to an artist — it won’t automatically make you a better player, but it will help you develop your techniques and styles while diversifying your music. It’s essential to find a capo you vibe with, and the capos on this list cover just about any acoustic or electric guitar you might have. If you’d like to discuss the art of the capo or want to know which one suits your guitar and preferences the best, then please don’t hesitate to call one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700.
