Best Guitar Capo: Our Top Picks of 2024!

Just like a pick or string winder, a capo is a great tool for most of guitarists! Specially, for acoustic guitar players, a capo comes in handy during recording sessions and performances. You no longer have to retune your guitar to match the pitch with a capo! 

A capo is a tiny attachment tool that clamps down on the guitar fretboard. With this, you can raise the pitch of the strings. This way you are not only restricted to an open standard tuning. There are a lot of different types of capos to choose from. Some capos are for specific types of guitars. 

Which one is right for you? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways Of Best Guitar Capo In 45 Seconds!

Best Overall Guitar Capo 

• Zager Professional Capo
• G7th Performance 3 Capo
• Dunlop Trigger Capo
• Ernie Ball Axis Capo
• Paige Original Capo
• Kyser 12-String Quick-Change
• Creative Tunings Universal Spider Capo

Best Capo For Beginners 

• Zager Professional Capo
• Shubb Original C2
• D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo

Best Guitar Capo For Acoustic Guitars: 7 Fantastic Options

A good capo can last a long time. Realistically, you will only buy one every 5 years, given you do not lose one! So here are our top picks of the best capos for acoustic guitars.

1. Zager Professional Capo

The Zager Professional Capo is a great piece of equipment for guitarists. Like Zager guitars, they are made to make playing the guitar easy. The Zager Capo has a user-friendly design for quick and easy adjustments along the fretboard. It is easy to clamp one without being too stiff to maneuver. 

The capo is designed to lower the action and reduce string spacing. As a result, you do not need to put much pressure to properly fret each string. This is great for beginners who have difficulty playing clear notes when starting. 

Additionally, the capo does not take much space around the fretboard. This is advantageous for guitarists with smaller hands and reduces finger strain. The capo is capable of maintaining the guitar’s tuning. 

Key Specifications

• Material: Made from durable yet lightweight materials. 
• Compatibility: Designed to work with both acoustic and electric guitars with curved or flat fretboards.
• Size and Portability: Compact design and easy to carry.
• Ease of Use: One-handed use
• Reduced Finger Strain: Lowers the action of the string to reduce finger fatigue, great for beginner guitarists.

Curious about how a capo can improve your guitar playing? Our article, “What Does a Capo Do? (Improving Music in a Subtle Way),” explores how this simple tool can make a big difference. Learn subtle techniques to elevate your music and play with more ease.

2. G7th Performance 3 Capo

The G7th Performance 3 is a great capo that is a perfect blend of technology and great build quality. It may not be the most affordable one on this list, but you surely get a solid product in exchange. 

One innovation of the G7th Performance 3 capo is the Adaptive Radius Technology. This patented design allows the capo to adapt to any guitar fretboard. With it, you can get just the right amount of tension to each string. 

For this design, more tension is applied to lower thicker and less to high thin string. It operates with an easy squeeze-to-release mechanism that makes sure you can just one hand. This capo is an ideal choice for professionals seeking reliability and precision in their musical toolkit.

Key Specifications 

• Material: Crafted from premium durable materials without compromising on fretboard integrity or the guitar’s finish.
• Compatibility: Designed to fit a variety of guitar types possible through the Adaptive Radius Technology.
• Design: Designed to be used one-handed

3. Dunlop Trigger Capo

The Dunlop Trigger Capo is a top choice among guitarists and is regarded as an industry standard. With this capo, all you can expect is reliability and durability. It has a quick-release spring clamp for fast and effortless key changes. This ease of use, combined with an aircraft-grade aluminum build, makes it a great choice for musicians on the go.

However, the capo tension cannot be adjusted is primarily designed for 6-string acoustic and electric guitars. 

Key Specifications

• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Design: Quick-release spring clamp with nonadjustable tension
• Best For: 6-string acoustic or electric guitars

4. Ernie Ball Axis Capo

The Ernie Ball Axis Capo is loved by many guitarists for its sleek design and practicality. This capo has a quick-release spring-clamp mechanism for fast pitch changes. You can easily use it with one hand for any adjustments. It is constructed from lightweight aluminum with both durable and easy to use.

The Axis capo has great versatility under its wing. It is compatible with both eclectic and acoustic guitars. It is also great for flat and curved fretboards with 6 or 12 strings. One downside for the capo is its long arms that may get in the way of playing the guitar. 

The Ernie Ball Axis Capo is visually appealing and also user-friendly. It is easy to use and great for quick changes during shows. It has a dual rubber pad on the arms that adds a touch of comfort. 

Key Specifications

• Design: Quick-release spring clamp with nonadjustable tension
• Material: Lightweight aluminum
• Best For: 6 and 7-string acoustic or electric guitars

5. Paige Original Acoustic Capo

The unique wraparound design of the Paige Original Acoustic Capo sets it apart from others in the market. It guarantees uniform intonation by applying equal pressure across the fretboard.  The capo is made from durable metal and comes with a tension adjustment screw. You can find it in the middle of the neck at the back. 

This design feature helps reduce any sort of sideway string pull. With the screw, you can control tuning with precise adjustments. Another great feature of the Paige Original Capo is that it can easily be tucked away being the guitar nut when not in use. However, remember that this cannot be used with all types of guitar necks. 

The Paige Original Acoustic Capo is a great choice for guitarists as it applies pressure evenly on the fretboard. This is important for a guitar to maintain good intonation when capped. It’s a practical investment for acoustic guitar players looking for a reliable and durable capo. Try to measure the neck radius of your guitar to make sure this capo is compatible.

Key Specifications

• Design: Wraparound Design with adjustable tension screw
• Material: Metal
• Best For: 6-string acoustic guitars

6. Kyser 12-String Quick-Change Capo

The Kyser Quick-Change Capo is designed to fit 12-string guitars. However, it is not just limited to that as you can also use them for standard 6-string, or even 8-string ones. It operates with a sturdy steel spring that firmly clamps onto the neck. Expect minimal to almost no buzzing from this capo and great intonation across all strings.

Is capo is loved by many for its use of solid build aluminum material. But that does not mean the capo will break the bank. It offers all these at a very affordable price too! It does what it is made to do and does it well. The tension is high enough to hold all strings tightly without damaging the guitar. 

Key Specifications

• Design: Trigger type without adjustable tension
• Material: Aluminium
• Best For: 12-string, 7-string, 8-string guitars

7. Creative Tunings Universal Spider Capo

The Creative Tunings Universal Capo is a great option if you are looking for a capo. This capo can clamp individual strings if you wish to do so. It also comes with a side grip that makes handling it more comfortable than most others. It is lightweight and can be used with both acoustic and electric guitars. 

With the Creative Tunings capo, you can try out different tunings to suit your preferences. Adjusting tension during live performances can take time but it is a great option to have during studio sessions.

Key Specifications

• Design: Side grip with adjustable tension
• Material: Stainless steel shaft with Aluminium knob
• Best For: Six-string acoustic or electric guitars

Best Guitar Capo For Beginners (Because Everyone Needs It)

All the capos we have mentioned till now can be used by guitarists of all skill levels. However, there are a few that cater just to beginner guitarists. 

1. Zager Professional Capo

As we mentioned before, the Zager Professional Capo is a great option for both professionals and beginners alike. Zager is known to make guitars that are marketed as “easy to play”. This follows in their other types of equipment including their capo. They have a standard design with an ample amount of tension to hold the strings down. 

Additionally, for beginners, the capo can lower the string action making it easy to play every single fret. This is a welcomed addition to the capo design. This is great for beginners who have difficulty playing clear notes when starting. 

Key Specifications

• Design: Screw-operated tension adjuster
• Material: Lightweight Aluminum. 
• Best For: Acoustic and electric guitars with curved or flat fretboards.

2. Shubb Original C2 Capo

The Shubb Original C2 Capo is a great capo for beginners. It is an affordable capo with advanced features. This is a lever-operated capo designed for 6-string guitars. It is made of nickel-plated brass. When clamped onto the neck, it sits with a low profile with minimal obstruction when playing.

To unclamp it you have to simply flip the lever to release it. It comes with a screw tension adjuster to set your desired pressure. Although it may not be as quick as a trigger-style capo, it is stable enough to make it a great choice for beginner guitarists.

Key Specifications:

• Design: Lever/screw mechanism with adjustable tension 
• Material: Nickel-plated brass
• Best for: 6-string acoustic guitars

3. D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo

The D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo improves on the traditional capo design with its adjustable tension feature. This is great for beginners as you can control the tension according to personal preference. It can be used for both acoustic and electric guitars. 

The quick-change mechanism is easy to operate across the fretboard. Its user-friendly design makes the D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo a very good choice for entry-level guitarists.

Key Specifications:

• Design: Quick-change with tension adjustment
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum construction 
• Best For: Acoustic and electric guitars

How To Choose The Best Guitar Capo?

When you’re out to buy a capo, there are a few things you have to keep in mind before making the purchase. Here are 6 things you have to consider before you buy one.

Types of Capos Available

First and foremost you need to know the different mechanisms of capos that are available in the market. You will primarily find 4 types of capos in the market. Each type does something different than the other.

1. Trigger Capos: These are the most popular ones out there. They clamp onto the neck of the guitar with a spring mechanism. You can easily move them to your desired fret making them easy to use.
2. Screw/Clutch Capos: Screw capos take the game up a notch. With these capos, you can precisely adjust tension which can help with intonation on higher frets. They are a bit difficult to use but will give you more control.
3. Roller/Toggle Capos: Roller capos use a rolling mechanism to add tension to a certain fret. They are gentler on the neck of a guitar and easily adjustable. However, they do come at a higher price point.
4. Partial Capos: This type of capo is more for the creative musicians out there. It allows you to clamp strings of your choice.

What Guitar Do You Use?

Different guitars may require different capos:

1. Acoustic Guitars: Most acoustic guitars have a curved fretboard. So capos with a curved bar can match the radius to even out pressure across all strings.
2. Electric Guitars: Electric guitars have a flatter fretboard compared to acoustic ones. Spring-loaded capos are great for electric guitars. 
3. Classical Guitars: A classical guitar has a wide neck and a flat fretboard. Capos with a wide and flat bar is ideal for them.
4. 12-String Guitars: The string tension on a 12-string guitar is higher than other types of guitars. Capos that have adjustable tension are required for 12-string guitars.

Flat vs. Curved Fretboards

How curved a guitar neck’s radius is will dictate what type of capo you need. A capo has to be able to distribute tension across all strings evenly. Test to ensure the capo you want matches the radius of your fretboard. A capo that cannot even out pressure can lead to string buzz. 

Build Quality

A capo should be made from durable materials. It needs to ensure that it won’t harm your guitar’s finish. You can find capos made from metal, plastic, or a combination of the two. Metal capos are tough and have a firmer grip. Plastic capos are lighter and are least likely to damage your guitar. Try to look for capos that have rubber or silicone padding. This adds a protective layer between the points where the capo attaches. 

How Simple Is It To Operate?

Many modern capos are designed to be operated with one hand. This comes in handy during live performances. Some capos also have adjustable tension levels. This ensures that you can set the exact pressure on individual strings. 

Best Guitar Capo Reddit 

Here are a few useful Reddit links you can check when researching on capos.

• [Question] What is the best capo in your opinion? : r/Guitar
• Recommendations for a good Capo : r/Guitar
• [NEWBIE] May I get a good capo recommendation? : r/Guitar
• Best capo for acoustic guitars? : r/worshipleaders
• [QUESTION] Electric guitar capo
• What kind of capos are best for electric guitars?
• Best capo for electric guitars?
• [QUESTION] Is there’s any good guitar capos for both acoustic and electric in a budget
• [Newbie] can I use a capo for electric guitar?
• [EXPERT LIST] Best Guitar Capos Of All Time : r/guitarbased

Frequently Asked Questions

Make Your Practice Session More Interesting With A Capo!

A capo can take you a long way if you pick right. With so many options to choose from, you can easily get confused when buying one. So try to follow the guide we have provided to pick one that will best fit your guitar. Picking any one of the products from the top picks should have you set for a long time as long as you do not lose it!