The best guitar capos for 2020

Capo is an essential element that opens up new possibilities for playing the guitar. It is a kind of clothespin that attaches to the neck and holds the strings at one fret. Possessing a small functionality, this device is very convenient, and musicians appreciate it for the fact that it greatly simplifies compositions and expands their capabilities, since some compositions are generally impossible to perform without a capo. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" will be happy to acquaint you with the rating of the best capo for playing the guitar in 2020.

What is a capo and what is it for?

This clamping device is very important for guitar playing. Moreover, to use it, you do not need to be a professional musician at all - even a beginner can master its use. It is a kind of threshold without cutouts for strings, clamping and shortening which, the tone of the sound rises. When transposing chords, the sound quality changes, and with the function of lowering the sixth string by one tone, partial capos are used, which are fixed at the second fret. Such devices are also used to change the tuning of the instrument.

What is its functionality and capabilities?

1. The capo instantly changes the tone of the sound. Within one composition, there are different chords, for which you need to move around the neck. To simplify the process, it is enough to put on the capo in the desired way.
2. The instrument takes on a deep or completely different sound. When the fret is held down, the playing string is shortened and the note tone is raised. By applying the clip at high frets, you can achieve a banjo sound.
3. Combinations with open strings can be moved to any key and improvised as you like. Without this device, a person's physical capabilities are limited - to hold down the 2nd and 7th frets plus a chord. Holding the necessary fret with the help of the capo, the musician can realize any ideas. That is why fansail adherents appreciate its value.
4. In some compositions, all chords are barre, and therefore, to play them, a clamp is required, which makes it easier to extract chords in this way.
5. Capo develops musical thinking and helps to hone the skill of selecting songs by ear by using the device on different frets.
6. Any works with different chords become available for the guitarist to perform - by shifting the key of the form, he can not change the position of the playing.
7. When playing guitar and singing at the same time, it is very convenient to change the key for singing just by placing the accessory in the desired mood.
8. Another advantage of using a capo is less stress on the fingers due to the need to extract numerous barrets, respectively, the musician is less tired and demonstrates high-quality playing technique.

What are and how to choose

To avoid a mistake when choosing and understand which accessory is better to buy, you need to take into account the type of tool for which it will be used, as well as its characteristics. In general, they are not very diverse, but the selection criteria are influenced by the following parameters of the instrument: neck width, material, number and size of strings, as well as the type of guitar.

Classical, acoustic, or electric guitars have different neck profiles.

For ordinary acoustics, a standard spring-loaded or snap-on capo is suitable. The pressure should not be strong for a classical string, but sufficient for a twelve-string string, and for metal strings it should be stronger than for nylon strings. Improper selection can compromise the sound quality or damage the neck. Thus, when choosing an accessory, you need to match it with the diameter, number and material of strings, as well as the width and radius of the neck.

What to look for? The existence of different guitar accessories depending on the clamping of the strings, different mechanisms and designs.

Types of clamps by purpose

• for acoustic guitars it is considered classic, standard;
• for classic ones with less clamping force;
• for electric guitar has a fastening mechanism that distinguishes it from acoustic clamps;
• an accessory with maximum clamping force is suitable for a twelve-string;
• for the ukulele, a smaller version with a weak hold-down to avoid damaging the neck.

Types of mechanisms and structures

• With a spring. A clothespin-type device with a built-in spring that prevents the capo from unclenching. This type is the easiest to use, very convenient and, if necessary, allows you to quickly change modes. The only drawback may not always be a high-quality assembly, which is why, as a result of uneven pressure on the strings, rattling occurs when playing.
• With a latch. Clamping is carried out in the same way as with a latch - fixation on the strings occurs due to the teeth and does not require much time to move along the neck. As a rule, such accessories are made of plastic, which breaks down quickly.
• Elastic. It is a rubber-coated metal plate that fits over the neck and is secured with a strap or rubber band. This type of capo is lightweight and inexpensive and can be easily adjusted to the width of the neck. Installation is long enough - you need to tighten the strap or wrap and tighten the tape. Because of this, it is difficult to quickly change the mode, moreover, such a device can fly off during the performance and does not have a high durability.
• With screw connection. It is fixed with a special screw-in screw, although otherwise the devices may differ in their structure. These are popular models among musicians. They are strong and durable, but they are time consuming to install and require some effort to tighten the screw. These capos are less portable than the devices already listed.
• The spider capo looks like a clothespin, but in a different modification - with several legs, each of which grips a separate string.

Recommendations and advice

Where to buy and how much does it cost

The cost of this accessory is low - from 200 rubles. If there is no urgent need, then you can select several devices on Aliexpress or Ebay and order them online - this will turn out to be a good saving. Buying from an online store is suitable for those who clearly know what parameters and what model are required.

A reliable way is to visit a specialized music store, taking your instrument with you, and then pick up a convenient model there and test it on a guitar under the guidance of experienced sellers. Another way is to buy from hands, but this is beneficial only when you are well versed in the quality of the goods.

There are recommendations to increase the life of the attachment and not damage the tool. To preserve the clamping ability longer, it should be removed from the guitar immediately after playing. Plus, it will keep the neck and strings intact.

Which company is better

The popularity of models from the best manufacturers is primarily due to their quality, which is a guarantee of long service life.The cost of such products will, of course, be higher than what you can buy them for online, but keep in mind that you are paying for the quality - plastic, rubber, metal and clamping force. The best capos, according to musicians, are produced by the following companies.

• Alice. Produces budget models at a price of 100 rubles. They are great for beginners who are just getting started with this guitar device.
• Dunlop. Jim Dunlop manufactures products known for their unusual effects and popular with experienced guitarists. Cost - from 1,000 rubles.
• Kyser produces clips of different colors of high-quality assembly, the price of which starts from 1,500 rubles.
• Planet Waves are renowned for their lightweight, high-quality models that simply snap into place, vary in mechanism, and guarantee a great sound. You can buy from 1 500 rubles.
• EMUZIN produces guitar accessories. Capos of this company belong to the middle price category - from 400 rubles.
• K&M specializes in musical equipment. Capos from this manufacturer cost about 2 thousand rubles and are characterized by durability, high build quality and instrument sound.

The pricing of this product is influenced by the material of manufacture, the clamping force, the ability to change the system and the manufacturer.

How to do it yourself

Any guitarist in an emergency - not on hand or suddenly broke - can make a capo on his own.

To do this, you will need an object like a pencil, a lighter, a block or plate, and an elastic band. The plate is placed on the selected fret, and the elastic is wrapped around one end, stretched to the other and wrapped around it.

This is a temporary method, because its functionality does not include easy and quick movement around the neck. Well, this will certainly affect the sound quality, since only the extreme strings are clamped well. These accessories are inexpensive, so it's best to buy a new one as soon as the opportunity arises.

How to install correctly - step by step instructions

For the first time, consultants in the store will help and explain how to properly fasten the capo, but in the future you need to learn this yourself in order to carry out the procedure at home. Improper installation can damage the instrument and fail to produce the desired sound, and the location of the unit must be constantly changed.

1. The fret on which the device is mounted is considered the first. To increase the tonality, the frets are counted from this tone.
2. Place the device directly in front of the fret gate. If installed on the sill, the sound will be dull, far from the sill - with a metallic effect.
3. As a rule, the capo is put on the neck from top to bottom, since at the base where the 4, 5 and bass strings are located, the pressure is higher, and the thickest strings require more pressure to extract a clear sound.
4. The instrument must be readjusted before and after each use of the capo. The device still does not clamp the strings with one hundred percent accuracy, so they give out "non-tune" even with an ideal tuning. That is why, in order to achieve high accuracy, as well as an adequate combination of chords and sounds, reconfiguration is necessary every time.

Rating of quality capo

For acoustic guitar

Alice A007D / SL-A

It is a lightweight Chinese chrome-plated steel fixture with spring-loaded and quick fixing. Price - from 250 rubles.

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KYSER KG6TDA

The product of an American company with polished aluminum edges and a pattern on the surface can be easily removed and fixed, which allows you to play music in any key. You can buy it for 1,500 rubles.

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KYSER KG6EG

Manufactured in the USA. This spring-loaded emerald aluminum accessory allows you to seamlessly change key by instantly moving around the instrument. Average price - from 1,700 rubles.

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KYSER KG6LTA

This versatile, hand-crafted, black, American-made aluminum capo is durable and reliable. With its reduced voltage, it allows for less instrument tuning. The manufacturer gives a 1 year warranty. Cost - from 1,700 rubles.

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For ukulele

Ortega OCAPOUKE-BCR

This is an Indonesian-made model made of aluminum alloy with a chrome plated finish to prevent damage to the tool. Due to the flat pad, it can also be used for banjo. Cost - from 1200 rubles.

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ALICE A007P / BK

This is a black reliable metal accessory with overlays in a blister pack, which can be purchased for 500 rubles.

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ALICE A007R / BK

This black metal product from a Chinese company with a screw mechanism and patch pads for protection in a blister costs about 400 rubles.

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KYSER KULEA

This American-made model is made of aluminum in different colors with a spring mechanism and is hand sanded. It is a versatile, lightweight and comfortable capo. The manufacturer's warranty is six months. Price - from 1,700 rubles.

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KYSER KBMBA

This is a universal black aluminum spring-loaded capo with a protective gasket and a half-year warranty for 1,700 rubles.

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For electric guitar

JOYO JCP-01 Silver Light Capo

This plastic Chinese capo with a spring and protective pads that protect the neck of the instrument from damage can be purchased for 300 rubles.

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Planet Waves PW-CP-10NSM

This capo is manufactured by the American company Planet Waves. It is a very stylish and versatile aluminum accessory with a clip-on tuner, backlit display and bracket for comfortable tuning even in dark and noisy environments. With Tri-Action, you don't need to work hard. Rubber pads protect your guitar from scratches. The weight is very light and is about 700 grams. It costs from 2,400 rubles.

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Dunlop 87 B Trigger Electric Curved Black

This is an American-made model made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a spring mechanism and a protective pad, which costs from 1,200 rubles.

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Dunlop 87N

This US-made duralumin model, which is available in black and nickel-plated with a spring mechanism and protective elements against damage, can be purchased for 1,600 rubles.

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Kyser KGEB

This American-made aluminum electric guitar clip is quick and easy to attach and remove, making it easy to play.

The average price is 1,700 rubles.

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The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" presented a rating of the best capo for 2020 with their description, characteristics and features. We hope that our review was useful to both beginners and professional musicians. We will be glad if you leave your comment or share information about new products with our readers.