A capo is a great way to boost your creativity!
But, did you know there are countless varieties, all interestingly offer slightly different functionality. This means each capo provides certain benefits, and drawback towards what you want to play (visit guitar capo types
)! This can make choosing the right capo difficult. Luckily, we have narrowed the list down to just 5 BEST guitar capos!
What are the Best Guitar capos? There are 5 BEST guitar capos that we have chosen because they cover EVERYTHING from general to advanced guitar players! This includes,
- G7th Performance 3 ART Capo
- D’Addario Self-Centering Cradle Capo
- Kyser Quick-Change Capo
- SpiderCapo Standard
- Partcial capo
In this article, we give our opinions as to why we choose these as our top 5! We would also, love to hear which capo is your favorite in the comments below! Also, at the end of the article we give our criteria for evaluating the best options. But, without further ado lets jump right into our first option below…
1. G7th Performance 3 Capo
G7th Performance 3 Capo with ART is ranked as one of the BEST capos of all time due to its unique set of innovative features! These features (which we discuss below) give you a solid tuning stability and accuracy for all types of 6 string guitars. It suits any fretboard radius (flat and curved fretboards). As well as having very fast position changing capability.
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These features make it the BEST for all-round playing, which includes live performances, general practice and recording in the studio. Striking a fine balance between simplicity, ease of use and high quality.
Below we discuss the features that make all this possible…
Features
- Adaptive Radius – Firstly, this G7th capo is outstanding with the Adaptive Radius Technology. It is a patented innovation that makes this capo to match the curvature of any fretboard (for 6 string guitars) and work excellent on both acoustic and electric guitar.
- Tuning Stability – Specifically, ART provides you with extraordinary tuning steadiness by its groundbreaking string pad. This mechanism provides the contact that is similar to a human grip, giving you an even resonance along the fretboard.
- Tension Control – Its Unique Tension Control is another unique patented feature of G7th allowing you to easily squeeze to release with the minimum needed pressure. Making it easy to use with one hand.
- Quick release – With its quick release system with a flip lever, you can easily install or take out this capo in a speedy time.
FAST One-hand adjustment
With this striking strong point, you do not need to make any adjustments when moving the capo across the frets. Also, being light weight and slim it is easy to operate, even with one-handed. All you need to do is just squeeze for optimum tension. No matter how big or small your hand size is, you can freely move between frets without any requirement of frequent retuning.
Works with both acoustic and electric
When processing this G7th capo, you do not need to be so worried about its suitability with your own guitar since it is very versatile. It is designed to work well for any steel six-string guitars including electric, acoustic or hybrid nylon string guitars.
Reduces Fretbuzzing
The G7th capo has a system located on the top side (placed over the fretboard) which adjusts to the curvature of your guitar’s fretboard, giving even contact with all six strings.
Not only does this make the capo adaptive to fretboard types, it reduces buzzing of strings that gives the best possible tuning stability too!
Design
The G7th is designed to sit on the headstock when not in use. You can merely put it on the peghead and behind the nut for easy access when you do not use it.
When it comes to color, there are Silver, Satin Black, 18kt Gold Platestrap capos available.
Overall, coupled with the innovative technology, this is well worth the price tag. It is slightly higher priced than the standard capo but you get whole lot more from it! It is a really good all round capo and very reasonably priced.
2. D’Addario Self-Centering Cradle Capo
D’Addario Self-Centering Cradle Capo is another high-end capo design for professional players.
Designed in collaboration with instrument innovator Ned Steinberger, the Cradle Capo is equipped with an adjustable micrometer and self-centering cradle design. It offers very unique set features of being able to fine-tune the grip by using a micrometer screw that is centered on the back of the neck creating even contact along the strings.
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I would consider this to be slightly expensive but it does offer a very unique set of features (discussed below) that arguably give players the best tuning stability on the market. Making it a consideration to anyone who is jumping in the recording studio. Not only that, i would say where this capo stands out from the crowd is its reliability; due to it having no moving parts and made from stainless steel.
Below we discuss the features in more detail…
Features
- Centered adjustment screw – self-centering cradle design guarantees an even tension across the fretboard, which ultimately eliminates irritating buzz and provides you with excellent intonation.
- Micrometer dial – the adjustable micrometer allows you to dial in the pressure for really fine-tuning tension applied to the fretboard.
- No moving parts – being made from stainless steel, and having no moving parts means nothing technical can go wrong. You can guarantee this capo will last for a lifetime.
Fast Two hand adjustment
Besides, the About the installation, you can simply attach this capo around a guitar’s neck by squeezing the sides together with your fretting hand to latch the hinged crossbar into place. After that, you just need to adjust the tension with the knurled thumbscrew to finish the set-up process.
Works with both acoustic and electric
It is suitable with both electric and acoustic guitars making it very versatile. It is designed to work well for any steel six-string guitars including electric, acoustic or hybrid nylon string guitars.
Reduces Fretbuzzing
Many guitar artists trust the Cradle Capo for its quality design, efficient work and precision function.
The G7th capo has a system located on the top side (placed over the fretboard) which adjusts to the curvature of your guitar’s fretboard, giving even contact with all six strings.
Not only does this make the capo adaptive to fretboard types, it reduces buzzing of strings that gives the best possible tuning stability too!
Design
When you do not use the capo, you can place it above the guitar nut or put it in a case for easy access.
This capo is only available with one basic black color, hence you will be limited with the selection to match its appearance with your own guitar style .
Overall, this capo is high quality, offers brilliant tuning stability and reliable.
3. Kyser Quick-Change Capo
Developed by Kyser in 1980s, this capo design soon created a huge boom in the guitar community and it was greatly desired by a lot of famous guitar artist’s worldwide, especially acoustic guitar players.
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Kyser quick-change capo is one of the early trigger capo designed mainly for guitarists that want the one hand change design. Even though the capo lacks the performance aspect compared to the G7th capo, I included it as it still has it place amongst guitars that want a cheaper alternative.
Features
- Trigger Clamp – Its sole mechanism is its trigger feature making it the first design that can be quickly repositioned without messing with screws.
- Clip Trigger – The clip trigger provides the most consistent force across the opening and closing threshold making it the most accurate and reliable of trigger capos.
Fast One-hand Adjustment
With professional design, you can easily reposition the capo across the fretboard. Designed with a spring-clamping mechanism for simple operation, this capo can be easily taken on and off the guitar using one hand, allowing players to transpose their guitars in seconds with just one hand.
Works with both electric and acoustic
This capo can be used on both electric and acoustic guitars and because of its spring loaded trigger the pressure is almost always semetrical/even when being used on both electric and acoustic.
Reduces Fretbuzz
Even though you cannot finely tune, the Kyser capo has a quite precise tension, so fret buzz does not happen. I like this particular brand because i have never personally experienced fretbuzz.
Design
This Kyser capo is made with durable and lightweight aluminum, hence even after many years of regular use, its quality will remain nearly unchanged as a newly-bought capo.
When not in use, it can be parked on the guitar’s headstock. Especially, Kyser delivers a wide range of colors for this capo. it has more than 20 colors varying from simple plain color to complicated colorful mixture and patterns. Therefore, if you are looking for a stylish capo for your own guitar, we highly recommend this type to you.
4. SpiderCapo
With the Spider capo you can truly take your creativity to the next level.
With its unique design it is the only capo that will hold individual strings. With this level of flexibility you can create a whole host of new tunings where you cannot with a regular capo. Your tuning possibilities will only be limited by your imagination.
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Standard with its patented design the spider capo allow you to create hundreds of open string tunings without detuning the guitar. This is good for beginners as it makes it easier to play those harder/trickier chords, opening up new possibilities.
Features
- Individual fretting – the SpiderCapo lets you fret each string individually.
- Fine tuning each string – they claim you can fine-tune each string for more precise tuning accuracy by altering each capo individually.
- Flexible tuning – play tunings that are not usually possible as well as the ability to play above and below the capo.
Two-hand Adjustment
If you are looking to reposition to a new fret then this can take slightly longer than the other capos mentioned in this article as you have to ensure each capo fasten are flicked open, and then each string needs to be intonated properly.
Works with both electric and acoustic
This capo works best for acoustic guitar it is known to cause tuning issues when used on electric guitar.
- Intonation is off if not fitted properly
- Can lead to string buzz if pegs aren’t secured
We have highlighted above some problems, however, we have added it to our 5 BEST capo because there is no other capo that offers this functionality.
Design
This capo can simply switch between open tunings, standard tuning, and custom tunings, or can be used as a standard 6-string capo. Therefore, this capo will enhance your creative power to freely make unbounded applications for all genres of music.
In a word, the SpiderCapo from Creative Tunings is fantastically flexible, so if you love the creation and long for making creative musical work, this capo will be the best choice.
5. G7th Newport Partial Capo
Partial capo (also known as cut capos) are great as it opens up a new world of flexible tuning opportunities. You can just pop the partial capo on and have access to many tuning without having to re tune your guitar.
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They’re called partial capos because they don’t cover all the strings (parcially covers the strings). This can take your tuning to the next level because if you put the parcial capo covering the A, D and G strings you will make an Esus chord. This will transform your guitar to the popular tuning of DADGAD, without having to retuning anything!
What makes it different from the other 4 capos above is its partial 3-string coverage design which can only cover 3 strings of the guitar and leaving the remaining strings untouched.
You actyually have the flexibility to place the capo anywhere on the fretboard if you want to get really creative!
Features
- Adaptive Radius – Firstly, this G7th capo is outstanding with the Adaptive Radius Technology. It is a patented innovation that makes this capo to match any fretboard radius position (for 6 string guitars) and work excellent on both acoustic and electric guitar.
- Tuning Stability – Specifically, ART provides you with extraordinary tuning steadiness by its groundbreaking string pad. This mechanism provides the contact that is similar to a human grip, giving you an even resonance along the fretboard.
- Tension Control – Its Unique Tension Control is another unique patented feature of G7th allowing you to easily squeeze to release with the minimum needed pressure. Making it easy to use with one hand.
- Quick release – With its quick release system with a flip lever, you can easily install or take out this capo in a speedy time.
FAST One-hand adjustment
You do not need to make any adjustments when moving the capo across the frets. Also, being light weight and slim it is easy to operate, even with one-hand. All you need to do is just squeeze for optimum tension which will release grip and then you can reposition it to your desired fret.
Works with acoustic guitars
This capo is particularly designed for acoustic guitars.
Reduces Fretbuzzing
The G7th capo has a system located on the top side (placed over the fretboard) which adjusts to the curvature of your guitar’s fretboard, giving even contact with all 3 strings that have been fretted.
Not only does this make the capo adaptive to fretboard types, it reduces buzzing of strings that gives the best possible tuning stability too!
Design
The G7th partial is lightweight, compact and very easy to use. When it comes to color, there are Silver, Satin Black, 18kt Gold Platestrap capos available.
The G7th is designed to sit on the headstock when not in use. You can merely put it on the peghead and behind the nut for easy access when you do not use it.
Conclusion
A Capo is a familiar guitar accessory that many guitarists use to raise the pitch of the sound. The capo is even considered as the “6th finger” as is offers ideal support by allowing a guitar player to play a song in different keys while still using first-position open-string chord forms.
However, as we have discussed in this article capo design can provide a slightly different use value.
My personal favorite is the G7th as it wins at both ease-of-use as well tuning stability. But, depending what your requirements are there are strong uses for the cradle capo, spider capo and partial capo, and if your on a budget but want a good quality capo then the Kyser still performs exceptionally well!
