Guitar Capo Guide for Beginners

A capo is a small tool that clamps a barre across the strings of the guitar (the actual fret clamped is up to the guitarist) effectively raising the pitch of the instrument.

Capos are often used by guitarists to play songs in different keys. In situations where singers prefer to sing in G♭ or E♭, a guitarist can use a capo to allow for this, while still playing basic chords in open position.

If you play guitar, you should own a capo, no matter what style of music you play. Capos aren't just for beginner acoustic guitarists - blues legend Albert Collins routinely used a capo on his Telecaster.

How to Use a Capo

attach the capo as close to the metal fret as possible without causing buzzes when you hit the strings
make sure the capo is tight enough that all open strings ring clearly
the capo-ed fret becomes your new nut

Capo Cautions

make sure capo doesn't bend your strings when you clamp it on, as this will make your guitar sound out of tune
capos can get in the way of your fretting hand - check to be sure whatever capo you choose doesn't interfere with your technique
pay close attention to the points of contact between the capo and the guitar - you don't want your fretboard scratched

There are several types of capos, each of which has relative strengths and weaknesses. The following pages provide a critical look at each type of guitar capo.

01

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The Spring Loaded Capo

spring loaded guitar capo — The Dunlop Trigger Capo is a popular spring loaded style capo.

The spring loaded capo utilizes a spring-controlled handle that enables you to add or remove the capo quickly.

Pros of the spring loaded capo:

can add or remove capo quickly - often mid-song
capo can be clamped or unclamped with one hand
not expensive

Cons of the spring loaded capo:

the amount of pressure applied to strings is not adjustable
more prone to string bending
bulky

02

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The C-Clamp Capo

The Shubb c-clamp capos are some of the most widely used and respected capos available.

A c-clamp capo requires manually turning a screw which causes the capo to apply pressure to the guitar strings.

Pros of the c-clamp capo:

probably the most sturdy and reliable type of capo
less tendency to put the guitar out of tune
more compact - less likely to interfere with guitarist technique

Cons of the c-clamp capo:

more finicky to clamp/unclamp than the spring-loaded capos
costs a couple bucks more than the cheapest capos

03

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The Toggle Capo

A toggle capo is a very lightweight piece of hardware, which uses a notched mechanism for tightening the capo onto the guitar strings. The toggle capos are cheap enough that you can afford to buy a few in case you lose one.