Know Your Capo

Next to picks and a strap, the capo is probably your most important guitar accessory. It is used to easily change keys and to create ringing open-string sounds or tasty chord voicings, and it has become a valued companion for guitarists in nearly every musical genre. Although some guitarists continue to use capos that are held in place with a strap behind the neck, most agree that a mechanical approach offers superior tuning stability and easier mounting. Today’s capos offer several variations on three core designs, each of which can work well and has devoted followers.

1. Screw-operated capos are among the oldest capo designs. The primary advantage of this capo type is its precision, which allows the tension to be set exactly the right amount, generally resulting in excellent tuning stability. The downside is that screw-operated designs take longer to install and remove than some other capos, and the process typically requires using both hands. Examples of this design include the Jim Dunlop Johnny Cash, the Paige, and the Planet Waves NS capos.

2. Spring-loaded capos are incredibly fast to install. They use either a compression spring (which is put under tension by lateral compression, like the shocks on a car) or a torsion spring (which is put under pressure by twisting, like a clothes pin). Spring-loaded designs usually don't allow any adjustments (the Planet Waves Dual Action is an exception) to their pressure, which can sometimes lead to tuning difficulties. One of the great things about spring-loaded capos is that they can be clamped to the guitar’s headstock when not in use, making them quick to access. Examples include the Kyser Quick-Change, G7th Nashville, and Jim Dunlop Trigger capos.

3. Friction- or tension-based mechanisms tend to offer a compromise between screw- and spring-operated capos, in that they’re generally quick to mount and offer the ability to adjust how tightly the strings are clamped. Examples include the Shubb Deluxe and G7th Performance.