Best
Overall Capo for Classical Guitar
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Overall: Can Be Used On Both Curved And Flat Fretboards Thanks To Its Dual Radius Design
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Best Feature: Made with Lightweight Aluminium and has Moulded Rubber
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Spring Capo for Classical Guitar
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Overall: Quickly And Easily Releases And Repositions With One Hand Without Disturbing Tuning
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Best Feature: Made Of Premium-Grade Zinc Alloy To Last Long
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Micrometer Capo for Classical Guitar
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Overall: Clamp Effortlessly To Your Guitar Neck Without Causing Damage
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Best Feature: Has Soft Rubber Material To Ensure Your Strings Stay Firmly In Tune
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TedScore™: 9/10
When choosing to buy the best classical guitar capo, there are many options available in the market that helps you play the guitar without changing the position of your fingers. But with so many to choose from, it can get confusing which one best fits your needs and preferences.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you out before you decide which classical guitar capo is the perfect one for you. In this article, we’ll cover the factors you must consider before buying a capo and a list of some of the best classical guitar capos for you!
Plus, we’ll let you in on the best guitar accessories and gear you need to get your hands on for the best playing experience.
Keep reading, and you’ll be on your way to exploring new sounds and possibilities with your best capo for classical guitar!
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.
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.
Which Classical Guitar Capo to Get: Spring or Micrometer?
Should I buy a spring or micrometer classical guitar capo? It’s a question that is often asked among classical guitarists, so take a look at our recommendations below, and if you have any questions, drop a note in the comments at the bottom of the post.
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™.
Other Must-Have Classical Guitar Accessories
Apart from capos, there are other must-have classical guitar accessories that can enhance your playing experience. Check them out below!
Tuner
This is an essential accessory to maintain a consistent sound for your chords and melodies. Even if you have the perfect ear for tuning, using a tuner can ensure that your guitar is always played in tune with complete accuracy. Plus, it saves you time and effort. Different types of tuners are out there, like digital or clip-on, which are all very easy to use.
DESIGNED FOR: electric, acoustic and bass guitars
FEATURES: Provides quick and accurate tuning for your instrument
OTHER INFO: A compact and neat gadget that can fit into any gig bag
D'Addario Eclipse Tuner, 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!
- With swivel action and colour screen to let you tune at any angle
- Powerful, feature-rich tool at a great price
- Handy for any situation
- Higher price range
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™.
Guitar Case
It’s vital to have a guitar case to protect your instrument. Not only does it keep it safe from bumps and scratches, but it also helps prolong the life of the guitar. Humidity and temperature changes can cause significant damage depending on where you live, but a hard guitar case can help prevent this.
Plus, it’s convenient to have a case when transporting your guitar to gigs or rehearsals, whether it’s a soft or hard case.
DESIGNED FOR: any folk / 40" classical or acoustic guitar with a lower bout of less than 380mm
FEATURES: With lockable latches for excellent security
OTHER INFO: Comes with plush lining for extra protection
Classical / Single Cutaway Acoustic Guitar Case
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 an interior storage pocket to be prepared for any performance
- Provides the ultimate protection for your instrument
- 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™.
Spare Strings
Strings wear out over time and can break unexpectedly, leaving you stranded without the ability to play your guitar properly. Having a spare set or two ready for an emergency is always a good idea. Additionally, if you’re playing a gig or performing, you don’t want to risk having to stop mid-show to change a broken string.
Having spare strings with you can significantly reduce the time it takes to get your guitar back up and running smoothly.
DESIGNED FOR: classical guitars
FEATURES: Offers normal tension for a well-balanced sound and projection
OTHER INFO: Built with great quality for an exceptional feel
D'Addario XT SPC Classical Strings, Normal Tension
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!
- Wounded in silver-plated copper for crisp and detailed sounds
- Engineered to produce the best sound and playing experience ever
- Made to last
- 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™.
Guitar Tool
With a good set of tools and some basic instructions, you can save yourself money and the hassle of taking your guitar to a tech every time something goes wrong. Learning to set up your own instrument is a valuable skill that will serve you well throughout your guitar-playing career.
Whether changing strings, adjusting the action, or fine-tuning your intonation, a guitar tool kit has everything you need to keep your guitar sounding and playing great.
DESIGNED FOR: all guitarists
FEATURES: With heavy-duty string cutter and peg winder to change strings with ease
OTHER INFO: Includes microfiber polish cloth and wonder wipes for a streak-free, dazzling finish
Ernie Ball Guitar Tool Kit
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 everything you need for setting the intonation and adjusting action
- Preserves, cleans, and maintains your guitar
- 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™.
Music Stand
Playing an instrument or conducting is already difficult enough, so having a music stand allows you to keep your hands free to play or conduct. It’s also convenient for keeping all your sheet music or scores in one place to make reading easier.
Plus, the best music stands are durable, so they won’t easily tip over or fall apart during a performance. And let’s face it, having a well-organized setup with your music in front of you and your writing tools at your fingertips will make playing or practising much more enjoyable.
DESIGNED FOR: students and gigging musicians
FEATURES: Has rugged construction for sturdy use
OTHER INFO: Has a sturdy and reliable three-point base system
Hercules BS050B Music Stand
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 a large desk area for books, sheet music and more
- Fully collapsible for optimum portability
- Can be compacted down to just 47cm in height
- 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™.
Best Classical Guitar Capos
Summary
Using a capo is an easy and effective way to expand your range. It’s also a great way to learn how to play the guitar with one hand. If you have limited finger strength or flexibility, a capo can help you play songs that would otherwise be too difficult to sing and play at the same time.
But, like any performance tool, it’s not for everyone. Experimenting with capos in a relaxed setting before using them on stage is best. A capo will also help you understand fretboard shapes and guitar playing further.
We hope you learned from this comprehensive guide to buying and using a capo and found the perfect model and match for your guitar.
So go ahead, give this versatile tool a try and see just how much it can enhance your playing!
