Top Guitar Capos: A Practical Comparison
Compare four popular guitar capos, the Shubb C1, Kyser Quick-Change, D'Addario Artist, and G7th Performance 3, by how they clamp, how pressure is set, how fast they move, and what they fit.
The right capo depends less on the brand than on how you play: how often you move it, how much pressure your guitar needs, and what kind of neck it has to fit. This guide compares four popular capos that work in different ways, so you can match one to your guitar.
Jump to: at a glance · check your guitar first · the four capos · buying options · common questions
At a glance
| Capo | How it clamps | Pressure | One hand? | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G7th Performance 3 | Squeeze to clamp and release | Set by your squeeze | Yes | Top pick — even pressure on different fingerboards |
| Shubb C1 | Locking lever | Adjustable screw | No | Setting exact pressure for one guitar |
| Kyser Quick-Change | Spring trigger | Fixed | Yes | Fast changes between songs |
| D'Addario Artist | Trigger | Adjustable knob | Yes | Fast changes with pressure control |
Do you need a new capo?
A different capo is worth considering when:
- It pulls strings sharp even when it's placed correctly.
- Some strings buzz or go dead at certain frets.
- It's too slow to move between songs.
- It doesn't fit your guitar's neck.
Check your guitar first
All four capos in this comparison are made for six-string steel-string guitars. Some guitars need a different model:
- Classical (nylon-string) guitars have wide, flat fingerboards. Choose a classical version, such as the Shubb C2, the Kyser Quick-Change Classical, or the G7th Performance 3 Classical.
- 12-string guitars need a wider capo, such as the Shubb C3 or the Kyser Quick-Change 12-String.
- Electric guitars usually have lighter strings, so a capo with adjustable or lower tension tends to suit them. Kyser makes a lower-tension Quick-Change for electric guitars.
- Guitars with high action or heavy strings need a capo that can clamp firmly. Check the manufacturer's fit notes before you buy.
What to compare
- How often you move it. If you change capo positions between songs, a capo you can move with one hand saves time. If you set it once and leave it, speed matters less.
- How pressure is set. Too much pressure pulls strings sharp, and too little causes buzzing. Adjustable capos let you set the amount. Fixed spring capos are simpler but can clamp harder than your guitar needs.
- Fingerboard fit. Fingerboards curve by different amounts. A pad that matches or adapts to that curve presses all six strings evenly.
- Bulk. A large handle can crowd your fretting hand when you play chords right above the capo.
The four capos
(opens Amazon in a new tab)G7th Performance 3
★ Top pickSteel-string, silver
- Best for:
- Players who switch between guitars with different fingerboards and want light, even pressure.
- Made for:
- Six-string steel-string acoustic and electric guitars
- How it works:
- Squeeze it onto the neck until it feels secure, and squeeze again to release it.
Strengths
- Its string pad adapts to the curve of the fingerboard, spreading pressure evenly across all six strings.
- You set the pressure by how firmly you squeeze, so finding the right amount is quick.
- Works with one hand and can be parked on the headstock between songs. It also has a lifetime warranty.
Drawbacks
- The most expensive capo in this comparison.
- On wide or thick necks, one magazine reviewer could fit it only as high as the seventh fret.
- G7th recommends different models from its range for guitars with high action or heavy strings.
The steel-string model fits fingerboard radii from 7.25 to 20 inches. G7th sells a separate Performance 3 Classical for nylon-string and wider necks.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)Shubb C1 Standard
Steel-string, polished nickel
- Best for:
- Players who set the capo once per song and want precise control over pressure.
- Made for:
- Six-string steel-string acoustic and electric guitars
- How it works:
- Flip the locking lever to clamp it. A screw sets how much pressure it applies.
Strengths
- Adjustable pressure lets you apply only as much as it takes to stop buzzing, without pulling strings sharp.
- The lever locks it firmly in place, so it stays where you put it.
- Solid brass body with a soft rubber pad designed to press the strings like a fingertip.
Drawbacks
- Moving it takes two hands, which is slower when you change positions between songs.
- You may need to turn the screw again for a different guitar, or when you move it up to a thicker part of the neck.
Shubb makes separate models for classical guitars (C2), 12-string guitars (C3), and vintage-style 7.25-inch fingerboards (C4).
(opens Amazon in a new tab)Kyser Quick-Change
6-string acoustic, black (KG6BA)
- Best for:
- Players who move the capo often, such as between songs in a set.
- Made for:
- Six-string acoustic guitars
- How it works:
- Squeeze the spring-loaded handle to open it, then let go to clamp.
Strengths
- Moves to a new fret with one hand, fast enough for changes between songs.
- Nothing to adjust, so it works the same way every time.
- Aluminum body made in the USA, with a lifetime guarantee.
Drawbacks
- Spring tension is fixed and fairly strong. On guitars with slim necks or low action, it can pull strings sharp.
- Some players find it clamps harder than their guitar needs. Kyser sells a Low-Tension version with 25 percent less spring tension for those guitars.
This is the acoustic model. Kyser also makes Quick-Change capos for electric, classical, and 12-string guitars.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)D'Addario Artist Capo
Black (PW-CP-10)
- Best for:
- Players who want one-handed changes and control over pressure.
- Made for:
- Six-string acoustic and electric guitars
- How it works:
- A trigger opens and closes it. A small knob fine-tunes how much pressure it applies.
Strengths
- Pairs a quick trigger with a tension knob, so you get speed and adjustable pressure.
- D'Addario says its direct pressure keeps strings from being pulled sideways, so you retune less.
- Light aluminum body that adds little weight to the neck, plus a built-in pick holder.
Drawbacks
- There are two controls to learn. Set the knob for your guitar before you rely on the trigger.
- Reviewers note the knob can unscrew and come off if it is left too loose.
- Switching between guitars with very different necks means adjusting the knob again.
D'Addario makes a separate classical version for nylon-string guitars.
Buying your capo on Amazon
You can buy any of these capos with a regular Amazon account. You don't need Prime. If you already have Prime, your membership applies as usual. If you're thinking about joining, compare the current options below.
Prime for Young Adults is for people aged 18 to 24, and Amazon checks eligibility when you sign up. Amazon shows the current trial, price, and renewal terms before you join.
Common questions
Will a capo put my guitar out of tune?
It can, if it presses too hard or sits crooked. Both bend the strings sharp. Place it straight, right behind the fret, with the least pressure that stops buzzing. A capo with adjustable pressure makes that easier to get right.
Can I use an acoustic capo on an electric guitar?
Often, yes, as long as it suits the curve of the fingerboard. Electric guitars usually have lighter strings, so a capo with adjustable or lower tension is less likely to pull them sharp.
Which fret should I put the capo on?
That depends on the song's key and the chord shapes you want to play. The capo calculator finds the easiest position for any key.