Introduction to Guitar Capos
The guitar is a versatile and beautiful instrument that has captured the hearts and ears of musicians and listeners alike for centuries. One of the reasons why it is so beloved is its ability to produce a wide range of tones and sounds, from high-pitched twangs to deep, soulful grooves.
However, even with its impressive capabilities, the guitar has its limitations. Enter the guitar capo.
A capo is a device that allows a guitarist to change the key of a song without having to retune the guitar. It essentially acts as a movable nut, clamping down on the strings at a particular fret and raising the pitch of each string accordingly.
Capos come in a variety of types and styles, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will be exploring the different types of guitar capos, their features, and their best use cases.
Famous Examples of Songs that Use Capos
Before we dive into the different types of capos, let’s take a look at some famous songs that have used a capo. 1.
“Wonderwall” by Oasis – uses a capo on the second fret
2. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals – uses a capo on the second fret
3.
“The A Team” by Ed Sheeran – uses a capo on the second fret
4. “Blackbird” by The Beatles – uses a capo on the seventh fret
5.
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac – uses a capo on the third fret
These are just some examples of the countless songs that use a capo to create a unique sound. Now let’s dive into the different types of capos available.
Types of Capos
1. Spring-Loaded/Trigger Capos
Spring-loaded or trigger capos are the most common type of capo.
They are easy to use and can be quickly moved up and down the neck of the guitar without having to readjust tension. A spring-loaded capo typically has a padded clamp that clips onto the neck of the guitar at the desired fret.
The capo is then locked in place by pushing down on a lever or trigger. Some popular brands of spring-loaded capos include Kyser, Shubb, and Dunlop.
2. Adjustable Tension Capos
Adjustable tension capos allow you to control the pressure exerted on the strings.
This can be useful if you have a guitar with a thicker neck or a higher action. An adjustable tension capo typically has a screw that can be turned to increase or decrease the pressure on the strings.
Some models also have a “micrometer” feature that allows you to set the tension to a specific measurement. The G7th Performance 2 and the Planet Waves NS Capo are popular examples of adjustable tension capos.
3. Partial Capos
Partial capos are designed to cover only some of the strings, leaving others open.
This can create interesting harmonies and unique chord progressions that would be difficult to achieve with a standard capo. Partial capos are also popular among fingerstyle guitarists, as they allow for more open-string playing while still maintaining a particular key or chord shape.
Popular brands of partial capos include the Paige Capo and the SpiderCapo. 4.
Toggle Capos
Toggle capos are similar to spring-loaded capos, but instead of using a lever or trigger, they have a simple toggle switch. The toggle switch allows you to quickly and easily attach and detach the capo without having to readjust tension.
They are often smaller and more compact than spring-loaded capos, making them a popular choice for guitarists on the go. Some popular brands of toggle capos include the Kyser Quick-Change and the G7th Newport.
5. G-Band Capos
G-Band capos are a relatively new type of capo that use a specialized strap to attach to the guitar.
They are unique in that they allow a guitarist to create harmonies on the fly by isolating certain strings and retuning them. This allows you to create complex chord structures without having to constantly change chords.
The G-Band is also capable of producing harmonics and natural harmonics, adding even more depth and dimension to your playing. 6.
Slider Capos
Slider capos are designed to be placed over the strings and slid up and down the neck of the guitar. This allows for a more gradual change in pitch, as opposed to the sudden jumps provided by traditional capos.
Slider capos are popular among blues and rock guitarists, as they can create unique and expressive slide guitar sounds. The Dunlop 741 and the Shubb Axys are popular slider capos.
7. Spider Capos
Like partial capos, spider capos allow you to cover only some of the strings, but they do so in a unique way.
The spider capo comes with multiple “fingers” that can be placed over individual strings, allowing you to create specific chord shapes or alternative tunings. This can be useful if you’re playing in a non-standard tuning or if you want to create a unique chord progression.
The Creative Tunings SpiderCapo is a popular brand of spider capo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a guitar capo is a versatile tool that can completely change the tone and sound of your guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced guitarist, a capo is a must-have accessory in your toolkit.
Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of the different types of capos available and their various features. Remember to experiment with different capos and playing styles to find the best sound for you.
Happy playing!
Best Guitar Capos
If you’re looking for a capo to enhance your guitar-playing experience, there are several options available that can deliver excellent results. Here are some of the best guitar capos currently on the market.
1. G7th Performance 3 ART Guitar Capo
The G7th Performance 3 ART Guitar Capo is a top-of-the-line capo that uses “Adaptive Radius Technology” to conform to the curvature of your guitar’s neck.
This allows for a more even pressure on each string, resulting in better intonation and tone. The Performance 3 also includes a unique “Articulated Rest” feature that keeps the capo level and out of the way of your fingers.
The G7th Performance 3 ART is a great option for professional musicians or anyone who demands the best from their equipment. 2.
Shubb S1 Capo
The Shubb S1 Capo is a classic capo that has been used by guitarists for decades. Its simple and elegant design allows for quick and easy placement on the guitar’s neck, while its adjustable tension ensures a clean and accurate sound.
The S1 is made of high-quality materials and has a durable construction that can withstand heavy use. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile capo, the Shubb S1 is an excellent choice.
3. Donner DC-2 Capo
The Donner DC-2 Capo is an affordable capo that punches above its weight when it comes to functionality and features.
Its spring-loaded design allows for quick and easy placement on the guitar’s neck, while its adjustable tension allows for a perfect fit on any guitar. The DC-2 also includes a built-in pick holder, making it a convenient and practical accessory for guitarists on the go.
4. D’Addario NS Artist Capo
The D’Addario NS Artist Capo is a sleek and stylish capo that looks as good as it sounds.
Its micrometer tension adjustment allows for precise control over the pressure exerted on the guitar’s neck, while its aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures durability and reliability. The NS Artist also includes a built-in pick holder and comes with a NS Micro Tuner mount, making it a versatile and practical accessory for any guitarist.
5. Dunlop 83CB Acoustic Guitar Capo
The Dunlop 83CB Acoustic Guitar Capo is a classic design capo that is easy to use and delivers excellent results.
Its spring-loaded design allows for easy placement on the guitar’s neck, while its adjustable tension ensures accurate and clean sound across all strings. The 83CB is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and features a sleek and durable construction.
If you’re looking for a reliable and effective capo, the Dunlop 83CB is a great option.
Capo Features and Functionality
1. Adaptive Radius Technology
Adaptive Radius Technology (ART) is a patented capo technology that allows the capo to conform to the curvature of the guitar’s neck.
This creates a more even pressure on each string, resulting in better intonation and tone. Capos that use ART often have a more expensive price point, but the results are worth the investment if you’re a professional musician or serious amateur.
2. Adjusting Tension
Many capos have adjustable tension that allows them to fit a variety of guitars with different neck sizes and shapes.
The tension can be adjusted using a thumbscrew or another mechanism. Capos that have the ability to adjust the tension will ensure a clean and accurate tone across all strings.
3. Spring-Loaded, Quick-Release Design
Spring-loaded capos have been popular among guitarists for decades.
Their quick-release design allows for easy and efficient placement on the guitar’s neck. The spring-loaded mechanism also ensures that the capo stays in place during performance or recording.
4. Partial Capos for Alternate Tunings
Partial capos are designed to cover only some of the strings on the guitar, allowing for the creation of unique tunings and chord structures.
They are often used in alternate tunings and fingerstyle playing, as they create a more open and expressive sound. Partial capos can be a bit more complicated to use than standard capos, but the results can be worth the extra effort.
5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Capo Types
Each type of capo has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Spring-loaded capos are easy to use and affordable, but they can sometimes distort the strings or affect the tuning. Adjustable tension capos are more precise and versatile but may not be as quick and easy to use.
Partial capos can create unique tunings and harmonies but may require more skill and practice to use effectively. Ultimately, the best type of capo for you will depend on your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right guitar capo can make a significant difference in the sound and tone that you can produce. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, the type of capo that you choose will depend on your experience level, playing style, and personal preferences.
Best Capo Overall and Alternatives
The G7th Performance 3 ART Guitar Capo is widely considered the best capo on the market. Its adaptive radius technology and articulated rest feature ensure perfect intonation and an even pressure on each string.
However, it is also the most expensive option on this list. For those on a budget, the Shubb S1 Capo and the Dunlop 83CB Acoustic Guitar Capo offer great value for the price.
The Donner DC-2 Capo is another affordable option with a built-in pick holder.
Importance of Choosing the Right Capo
It’s important to choose the right capo for your playing style and guitar. A well-made capo should not compress the strings too tightly, which can cause a detuned sound.
A capo that’s too loose can create buzz or muffled notes. There are several factors that you should consider when choosing a capo, including the design, material, and grip strength.
The design of the capo should match the curvature of the guitar’s neck. Capos with adjustable radius technology are ideal, as they conform to the shape of your guitar’s neck.
The material of the capo should be of high quality to ensure durability and longevity. High-grade aluminum or stainless steel is often the best choice.
The grip strength of the capo should be enough to hold the strings firmly, but not so strong that it places too much pressure on them. Overall, choosing the right capo is important to ensure a clean, accurate sound that’s true to your playing style.
Each of the capos mentioned in this article offers unique features and benefits, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Overall, a guitar capo can be a valuable tool for enhancing your playing experience, allowing you to change the key of a song without retuning your guitar.
There are several types of guitar capos available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The article highlighted the best capos currently on the market and explained their key features.
Additionally, the article discussed the importance of choosing the right capo for your needs, and the factors to consider when making your selection. Ultimately, choosing the right capo can make a significant difference in the sound and tone of your guitar, and it’s well worth taking the time to find the one that’s best for you.
