Best
Overall Capo for Classical Guitar
-
Overall: Can Be Used On Both Curved And Flat Fretboards Thanks To Its Dual Radius Design
-
Best Feature: Made with Lightweight Aluminium and has Moulded Rubber
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Spring Capo for Classical Guitar
-
Overall: Quickly And Easily Releases And Repositions With One Hand Without Disturbing Tuning
-
Best Feature: Made Of Premium-Grade Zinc Alloy To Last Long
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Micrometer Capo for Classical Guitar
-
Overall: Clamp Effortlessly To Your Guitar Neck Without Causing Damage
-
Best Feature: Has Soft Rubber Material To Ensure Your Strings Stay Firmly In Tune
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Keeping a classical guitar in tune during tricky parts can be as challenging as catching a butterfly with your bare hands, right? Having a top-notch capo makes a world of difference. Whether you’re strumming like a rock star or gently weaving a melody, the right capo acts like your trusty sidekick, staying by your side when the going gets tough. It’s like wearing a well-fitted shoe that never lets you down. Plus, it helps maintain the perfect pitch, ensuring your guitar sings sweetly with every note. Imagine playing a grand concert without a hitch, every chord resonating perfectly. That’s the magic of having the best capo on your classical guitar. Curious about how this tiny tool works wonders? Let’s dive in and uncover its secrets to flawless music making.
A great capo can change your playing, making it easier to try new sounds and chords without constantly retuning.
In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a capo perfect for classical guitars, look at popular ones like Ernie Ball Axis, and help you find the one that fits your style and needs. Whether playing on stage or practicing at home, the right capo can make a big difference.
So, grab your guitar, and let’s see how these small but powerful guitar helpers can improve your playing!
What is a Guitar Capo?
The term ‘capo’ comes from the Italian word ‘capotasto’, which translates to ‘head of the fingerboard.’ It’s a device that can shorten the length of guitar strings, which raises the strings’ pitch when the guitar is fretted. Capos are helpful in adjusting the pitch of a chord progression to match a singer’s voice or even when playing along with another musician.
Capos can also make complex arrangements easier to play and produce tonal variations without retuning the guitar.
Why Should I Get a Classical Guitar Capo?
If you’re a classical guitar player, you might wonder if getting a capo is worth it. Well, let’s tell you, it absolutely is! Here’s why: capos allow you to play chords with open strings in different keys than you might typically play in. This means that you can expand your repertoire and try out new songs that you might not have been able to play before.
Plus, with the ability to change your guitar’s pitch and key, you can customize your sound and make your performances stand out. And don’t worry! There are capos designed specifically for classical and flamenco guitars, so you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your instrument.
Spring Adjustment Mechanism
This type of capo works by releasing pressure and clamping onto the guitar neck with spring tension. It’s reliable and easy to adjust precisely without over-clamping or damaging your instrument.
The wrap-spring clutch mechanism allows the capo arms to rotate freely when closing the arms together so that you can adjust them quickly and easily. The padding on the contact points also provides uniform pressure while protecting your guitar’s neck.
WINGO Capo
This unique and affordable accessory is designed to help you change the pitch of your guitar effortlessly. The capo fits snugly on the strings and keeps them pressed down on the fretboard, thus raising the pitch without changing the tuning.
Moreover, the WINGO capo is made of high-quality wood and features a sleek, ergonomic design that looks great on any guitar.
DESIGNED FOR: nylon string guitar
FEATURES: Made with high-grade aluminium alloy for better lock and long-time use
OTHER INFO: With a much thicker silicone pad to protect your guitars from scratches or damage
WINGO Wooden Classical Flat Guitar Capo for Nylon String Guitars, Rosewood
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has longer clip rubber to fit classical guitars perfectly
- Super easy to clip on the guitar and quick to change
- Provides perfectly balanced pressure for clear tones
- May not fit comfortably on all guitars, especially those with unusual shapes or sizes
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ernie Ball Axis Capo
This capo is designed to help you change keys quickly and accurately with just one hand. It has a unique dual-radius design that can conform to a curved or flat fretboard, making it compatible with a wide range of guitars. It’s a great choice for a classical guitarist looking for a simple, functional, affordable capo.
DESIGNED FOR: classical guitars and 6, 7, & 12 string, electric guitar, and acoustic guitars
FEATURES: Lightweight capo made of robust aluminium
OTHER INFO: Has a dual radius design for curved and flat fretboards
Ernie Ball Axis Capo, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ensures tight grip for a buzz-free performance
- With soft moulded rubber pads to keep your guitar safe and free from damage
- Delivers precise and reliable sound
- A universal capo designed with seven-string guitars in mind
- Can be a little bit tricky to use at first, requiring a specific positioning on guitar necks
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Nordic Essentials Capo
It’s a premium capo that works great on your acoustic, electric, or classical guitar, as well as ukulele, bass, banjo, and mandolin. The capo locks on securely with a strong spring, and the inner surfaces are lined with a grippy silicone material for a smooth grip on your instrument.
And the guitar capo deals with 5 different colours; you can pick the one that matches your style.
DESIGNED FOR: acoustic, electric & classical guitars
FEATURES: Quickly and easily releases and repositions with one hand without disturbing tuning
OTHER INFO: Made of premium-grade zinc alloy to last long
Nordic Essentials Guitar-G Capo Deluxe
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a strong spring mechanism
- Provides a luxury feeling for players
- Offers excellent value for money
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Micrometer Adjustment Mechanism
A micrometre adjustment mechanism is a patented feature that allows you to dial in precisely the tension needed for your guitar, strings, and playing position. No more buzzing or muted notes. Plus, it greatly reduces the need to apply excessive force in any position, which means clear ringing notes without hurting your fingers.
D'Addario Planet Waves
This capo is designed specifically for classical guitars and fits comfortably, securely and evenly across all strings. Not only does it change the open string pitch to alter the pitch of your chords, but its patented micrometre tension adjustment system assures buzz-free in-tune performance at every fret.
You can move it around in all positions on your guitar with the confidence to always provide accurate tuning.
DESIGNED FOR: classical guitars
FEATURES: Designed for use on classical guitars with a flat radius
OTHER INFO: Has micrometre tension adjustment for buzz-free in-tune performances
D'Addario Planet Waves PW-CP-04 NS Classical Guitar Capo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With aircraft-grade aluminium construction
- Single hand operation
- Possibly the best classical guitar capo on the market
- Also available for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards
- May take some time to get used to and could be difficult for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
G7th Performance 3 Art
This capo is specifically designed to make your job easier and more enjoyable. Its innovative adaptive radius allows it to fit almost any type of guitar and adjust to your fretboard’s curvature.
The Performance 3 Art is also very easy to use, with a unique click-and-twist mechanism that allows you to quickly and confidently change positions. Its sleek brushed finish and engraving make it a beautiful addition to your guitar.
DESIGNED FOR: virtually all steel 6-string acoustic, electric or hybrid nylon and steel string guitars and of course, classical
FEATURES: With Adaptive Radius Technology (ART) for even pressure across the strings
OTHER INFO: A unique Tension Control system ensures you're in charge of the pressure over the strings
G7th Performance 3 Art, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Provides stable tuning with absolutely no buzz
- Showcases exceptionally innovative design
- Built for one-handed use
- An expensive guitar capo
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Shubb C2BN Nylon String Guitar Capo
The best capo for a nylon string guitar is the one that offers a secure grip without causing any damage to the delicate strings.
This Shubb capo has an innovative design that allows for a very quick release and easy clamping experience without creating any tuning problems. It’s made with a special rubber that works like a fingertip, making it gentle on your guitar strings.
Plus, the Shubb C2BN Brass Finish adds a sleek and stylish touch to your instrument.
DESIGNED FOR: nylon steel string guitar, guitars
FEATURES: Clamp effortlessly to your guitar neck without causing any damage
OTHER INFO: Has soft rubber material to ensure your strings stay firmly in tune
Shubb C2BN Nylon String Guitar Capo, Brushed Nickel
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with a handy screw to adjust the pressure to the perfect level
- Has an innovative design for a superbly easy and speedy experience
- Provides everything you need in one sleek, premium-quality capo
- Slightly more expensive compared to other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How To Choose a Classical Guitar Capo
Usability
Make sure you choose a capo specifically designed for a classical guitar instead of acoustic or electric models. These capos tend to be flat and accommodate the wider fretboard characteristic of classical guitars. It’s also helpful to look for an adjustable capo to customize the pressure on the strings and avoid any unwanted buzzing or intonation issues.
Ultimately, any capo should do the job, so it’s up to you to decide based on price, aesthetics, and availability. Just make sure you pick out a capo that’s definitely compatible with your instrument.
Price and Value
When choosing a classical guitar capo, it’s essential to consider both the price and the product’s value. First, consider the value of your best guitar capos, and set a budget accordingly. Sturdy and reliable capos can range from $14 to $20, depending on the brand and material. Investing in a high-quality capo (though they’re more pricey) will protect your guitar and enhance the overall quality of your playing.
By choosing the right capo, you can ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Tension or Strength
A very tight capo can cause the guitar to be slightly out of tune, especially on the bass strings. A good capo should be easy to change and apply even pressure across all strings without getting in the way of playing. Open-jaw capos are a great option, as they allow for slightly more force to be applied on either the bass or treble side of the strings.
A neck design can also affect the force applied, so choosing a capo compatible with your guitar’s neck is important.
Brand
The brand is also an important factor to consider. There are various options available in the market that offer different features and designs. Some of the top brands in the market include Kyser, Planet Waves, Shubb, and G7th. Each brand has unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the brand you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your guitar. So, as you explore the market for a classical guitar capo, consider each of these brands and find the one that best suits your style and playing needs.
Best Classical Guitar Capos
Summary
Choosing the best capo for classical guitar can make a difference in your playing.
I’ve been amazed by the different options available. Each capo has unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
For example, some offer a quick-change mechanism, while others focus on a low-profile design that avoids scratching your precious instrument.
Using a capo is a simple way to play in different keys. It’s also great for learning to play with one hand.
If your fingers aren’t very strong or flexible, a capo can help you play songs that are too hard to sing and play together.
But like any tool, it’s not for everyone. Try using a capo at home before using it on stage. A capo can also help you understand the fretboard and guitar playing better.
We hope this guide helped you pick and use a capo and find the perfect one for your guitar. So go for it, try this handy tool, and see how much it can improve your playing!
Soo, I’ve got a couple of capos lying around, both spring and micrometer. And yeah, there’s a difference for sure, but it ain’t night and day or anything. If you’re just jamming at home or doing small gigs, a decent spring capo will do ya fine. But if you’re all about that classical performance and need every note to be just perfect, then yeah, micrometer capos are where it’s at. They give you fine control, less likely to mess up the tuning. At the end of the day, ain’t no capo gonna replace practice. Both types have their place, depends on your need and, well, how much you’re willing to spend.
Just to add on to the discussion about capo types – the tension set by the capo is crucial. Too much and it can make the strings sound sharp. Micrometers might offer better control over this compared to spring capos. It’s all about finding the balance.
I’ve been using both kinds of capos for a while in my performances, especially when switching between folk and classical pieces. From my experience, micrometer capos provide superb precision, which is vital for delicate classical tunes. Worth the investment if you’re committed to getting the best sound out of your classical guitar.
Interesting, didn’t realize how important the capo type was. Might look into micrometer ones then, thanks for sharing!
Hey Lewis Turner, is there a big difference in sound clarity between the spring and micrometer capos? Looking to get one that suits classical music best. Thanks!