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A capo is the cheapest piece of gear that can change how you write songs. Clamp it across the neck and the chord shapes you already know move into a new key, sit better with your voice, or ring out with a brighter, more open sound. For songwriters, it is often the difference between a song that almost works and one that suddenly feels right.
Not all capos are equal, though. A bad one pulls strings out of tune, buzzes, or slips at the worst moment. I am a songwriter, and I build FencyGuitar, a guitar learning app, and I think a capo is one of the most underrated tools for beginners and experienced players alike. This list covers nine capos for different guitars, budgets and playing styles, with UK prices checked on 25 October 2026, and I will be honest about what each one gets wrong.
Top 3: Guitar Capos
| Capo | UK price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shubb C1 | About £19 to £25 | Tuning stability and adjustable tension |
| Kyser Quick-Change | About £19 to £23 | Fast one handed changes on stage |
| G7th Performance 3 | £44.99 | Players who want the best fit and least tuning drift |
Below are all nine picks, followed by a guide to choosing a capo and some practical tips for using one well.
9 Best Guitar Capos Right Now
1. Shubb C1
The Shubb C1 is the capo many experienced acoustic players swear by. UK prices ranged from about £18.80 at Thomann to around £25 elsewhere when I checked, depending on finish. It uses a lever action with an adjustment screw, so you set exactly as much pressure as the strings need and no more.
That adjustability is the reason it is so popular. Too much pressure pulls strings sharp; too little causes buzzing. With the Shubb, you dial it in once for your guitar, then flip the lever to clamp and release. It is compact, made of metal, and lasts for years.
The downside is that it takes a second hand and a moment of adjustment if you move between guitars with different neck profiles. It is not as instant as a trigger capo.
Who should skip this: players who switch capo positions quickly mid song and want one handed operation.
Models Worth Checking Out
Steel string acoustic and electric: Shubb C1
Nylon string guitars with flatter fingerboards: Shubb C2
A step up: G7th Performance 3, £44.99
2. Kyser Quick-Change
The Kyser Quick-Change is the classic trigger capo, and probably the one you have seen on the most headstocks. UK prices were around £19 to £23 depending on model and seller, with Thomann listing the acoustic version at £18.90. You squeeze it, place it, and let go. Between songs, it clips onto the headstock so it is always to hand.
Its strength is speed. On stage, you can move it with one hand in a second, which is why so many gigging players rely on it. Kyser makes versions for acoustic, electric and classical guitars, with different spring tensions and curves.
The trade off is fixed spring tension. On some guitars it clamps harder than necessary, which can pull strings slightly sharp, so check your tuning after placing it.
Kyser's range is wide enough that there is a version for most guitars, and they come in a long list of colours, which sounds trivial until you are looking for a black capo on a dark stage. The build is simple and tough, and many players have used the same Kyser for years. If you only ever buy one capo for gigging, it is a very safe choice.
Models Worth Checking Out
Steel string acoustic: Kyser Quick-Change for 6 string acoustic
Electric: Kyser Quick-Change for electric, with a gentler spring
Classical: Kyser Quick-Change for classical, with a flat profile
Who should skip this: players who are sensitive to small tuning changes, and anyone recording who needs perfect intonation.
3. G7th Performance 3
The G7th Performance 3 was £44.99 at guitarguitar. It is a premium capo designed to match the curve of the fingerboard and apply only as much pressure as needed. You squeeze it gently onto the neck until it holds, and release it with a lever.
The result is excellent tuning stability and very little buzzing, which is why it is popular with players who record or gig with acoustics. It is also slim and light, so it does not get in the way of your fretting hand.
It costs about twice as much as the Shubb and Kyser, and some players find the squeeze to tighten action less intuitive at first.
Where it really earns its price is in the studio. When you layer several acoustic parts, tiny tuning differences between takes add up and make a recording sound slightly sour. A capo that barely changes pitch saves a lot of retuning and editing. G7th also makes a 12 string version and partial capos, so you can build a matched set if capos become a big part of your sound.
Who should skip this: players on a tight budget, since the Shubb C1 gets close for less.
4. Dunlop Trigger Capo
The Dunlop Trigger Capo 83CB was £24.99 at guitarguitar, and the lighter Dunlop Trigger Fly was £19.99. Like the Kyser, it is a spring loaded trigger capo that clamps on with one hand. Dunlop offers curved versions for steel string guitars and flat versions for classical guitars.
It is a solid, reliable alternative to the Kyser, and players often choose between them on feel and looks. The Trigger Fly is smaller and lighter, which some players prefer on electric guitars.
Who should skip this: the same players who should skip the Kyser: anyone who needs adjustable tension.
5. Jstaff S1 Sliding Capo
The Jstaff S1 is the most unusual capo here. Fency Music, our sister store, sells the Jstaff S1 Sliding Capo, which is designed to slide along the neck mid song, so you can change key without stopping to unclip and reclip it. It uses enclosed micro bearings and a torsion spring, with an anodised aluminium body, replaceable silicone pads and a built in scale for setting tension.
For songwriters who like key changes, or for players who want to experiment with moving shapes up the neck, it opens up ideas a traditional capo cannot. The arms also fold for compact storage.
It costs considerably more than a standard capo, and it is a newer design without the decades long track record of a Shubb or Kyser. One owner on the product page noted that it did not fully press one string on a 12 string guitar.
Who should skip this: players who simply want a capo that sits on one fret for a whole song, and 12 string players.
6. Thalia Capo
Thalia capos combine a precise fit with decorative finishes and wood or shell inlays. UK prices for standard models were around £55 to £70, with officially licensed Taylor, Gibson and Fender models higher; Thomann listed a Taylor licensed Thalia at £94. Thalia supplies interchangeable pads to match different fingerboard curves, and uses a lever release.
They work very well and look beautiful, which makes them popular as gifts and with players who like their gear to match their guitar. You are paying a lot for appearance, though: a Shubb or G7th does a similar job for far less.
Who should skip this: anyone who sees a capo as a tool rather than a piece of jewellery.
7. G7th Newport Partial Capo
The G7th Newport Partial Capo was £26.99 at guitarguitar. Instead of covering all six strings, it covers three, which creates open tuning style sounds while you keep standard tuning. Placed on the second fret across the middle strings, for example, it gives you rich, droning chord voicings that are hard to get otherwise.
For songwriters, a partial capo is a cheap way to escape familiar chord shapes and find new sounds. It works best alongside a standard capo rather than instead of one.
A good way to start is to place it across the A, D and G strings at the second fret, then strum an E shape and an A shape and listen to how the open strings ring against each other. From there, experiment with different frets and string sets. Many players find a couple of favourite positions and build whole songs around them, because the drone of the open strings does a lot of the musical work for you.
Who should skip this: beginners still learning standard chord shapes. Master a regular capo first.
8. Dunlop 11CD Curved Capo
The Dunlop 11CD was just £7.99 at guitarguitar. It is a simple elastic style capo that wraps around the neck and hooks into place. Other budget options at guitarguitar included the G7th UltraLight at £9.95, an Ordo quick release capo at £11.99 and the Fender Dragon Capo at £13.99.
Cheap capos are fine as a spare in your gig bag or case, or as a first capo while you find out how often you use one. They tend to be less precise, slower to move and more likely to pull strings out of tune.
Who should skip this: anyone who uses a capo regularly. Spend a little more on a Shubb or Kyser.
9. Dunlop Trigger Capo 88B Classical
Classical and many crossover nylon guitars have flat fingerboards and wide necks, and a curved steel string capo will not press the outer strings properly. The Dunlop Trigger Capo 88B Classical was £24.99 at guitarguitar and is designed with a flat profile for exactly these guitars. The Kyser and Shubb ranges also include classical versions.
If you play nylon strings, buying the right capo makes a huge difference. Our guide to nylon string guitars for steel string players explains which guitars have flat fingerboards and which have a slight curve.
Who should skip this: steel string players. Choose a curved model instead.
How to Choose a Capo
Trigger, lever or screw
Trigger capos such as the Kyser and Dunlop are the fastest to use, with one hand, but their spring tension is fixed. Lever capos with adjustment, such as the Shubb, let you set the pressure exactly, which helps tuning stability. Squeeze to fit capos such as the G7th Performance 3 combine precise pressure with fairly quick use. Screw capos offer the most control but are the slowest to move.
Match your fingerboard
Steel string acoustics and most electrics have a curved fingerboard, so choose a curved capo. Classical guitars and many nylon string guitars are flat, so choose a flat capo. Twelve string guitars need a capo that applies enough even pressure across all twelve strings.
Think about tuning stability
Every capo pulls strings slightly sharp, because it presses them down. The less pressure it uses, the less it affects tuning. Adjustable capos such as the Shubb and G7th are better for recording and for players with a sensitive ear.
Consider how you play live
If you change capo position between songs, a trigger capo that clips onto the headstock is the most practical. If you change mid song, a sliding capo such as the Jstaff S1 is worth a look. If you set it once per song and never touch it, an adjustable lever capo is the best all round choice.
Size and weight
Lighter capos affect the guitar's balance less and get in the way of your fretting hand less. This matters most on electric guitars and small bodied acoustics.
Using a Capo Well
Place it just behind the fret, not on top of it. Close to the fret, like your finger, gives the cleanest note with the least pressure.
Retune after placing it. Even the best capo can nudge strings slightly sharp. Check with a tuner and adjust if needed.
Use it to find your vocal key. Play the song with the same chord shapes and move the capo up or down until the melody sits comfortably for your voice. This is one of the most useful songwriting tricks there is.
Try the same chords in different positions. A song played with G shapes at the 5th fret sounds very different from C shapes at the 7th fret, even in the same key. Layering two guitars this way, one open and one capoed, is a classic recording technique; our guide to recording guitar at home explains how to set up simple layered recordings.
Store it on the headstock or in your case, not loose in a gig bag pocket where springs and pads can get damaged.
A Simple Capo Chart
The quickest way to use a capo is to keep thinking in the chord shapes you know and let the capo change the key. This chart shows the key you get when you play common open chord shapes with the capo at each fret.
| Capo fret | G shapes | C shapes | D shapes | A shapes | E shapes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No capo | G | C | D | A | E |
| 1 | G sharp / A flat | C sharp / D flat | E flat | B flat | F |
| 2 | A | D | E | B | F sharp |
| 3 | B flat | E flat | F | C | G |
| 4 | B | E | F sharp | C sharp | G sharp |
| 5 | C | F | G | D | A |
| 7 | D | G | A | E | B |
Two practical uses stand out. First, if a song is in a key with awkward chords, such as E flat, find a row where the same key appears under shapes you like, then capo there. E flat is C shapes at the 3rd fret or D shapes at the 1st. Second, if two guitarists play the same song, one can play open G shapes while the other plays D shapes at the 5th fret. Both are in G, but the voicings are different, so the combined sound is much richer than two guitars playing identical chords.
Capos for 12 String Guitars
Twelve string guitars are hard on capos. There are twice as many strings, the neck is often wider, and the octave strings are thin, so uneven pressure leaves some strings buzzing or out of tune. Look for a capo that specifically lists 12 string compatibility, apply firm, even pressure, and check every string after clamping. Adjustable lever capos tend to handle 12 strings better than fixed trigger capos, because you can increase the tension until every string frets cleanly.
Capos and Alternate Tunings
Capos and alternate tunings work beautifully together. In DADGAD or open G tuning, a capo lets you keep the same fingerings while moving the key to suit your voice. Partial capos go further, creating alternate tuning sounds while you stay in standard tuning, which saves retuning between songs at a gig. If you write in alternate tunings, a partial capo and a standard capo together give you a huge palette of sounds without carrying extra guitars.
How Much Should You Spend?
For most players, the sweet spot is around £18 to £25: a Shubb C1, a Kyser Quick-Change or a Dunlop Trigger. That buys a capo that holds tuning well, lasts for years and does everything a beginner or regular gigging player needs. Spending £40 to £50 on a G7th Performance 3 makes sense if you record often or have a sensitive ear for tuning. Beyond that, you are mostly paying for looks or novel features. Under £10 is fine for a spare, but not as your only capo.
Capos for Live Sets
On stage, the capo becomes part of your set list. Many players write the capo position next to each song on their set list, so there is no guesswork between songs. Group songs with similar capo positions together where you can, to reduce changes. Keep a spare capo in your case, because springs do break, usually at the worst moment. And always retune after moving the capo, ideally with a pedal tuner that mutes your signal so the audience does not hear it. A trigger capo that lives on the headstock between songs is still the most practical choice for most gigging players.
Capos and Small Guitars
Capos work especially well on small and short scale guitars, where higher positions give a bright, almost mandolin like sparkle. Our Taylor GS Mini vs Martin LX1E comparison and our best travel guitars roundup cover small guitars that respond beautifully to a capo. On short scales, frets are closer together, so a slim capo leaves more room for your fingers.
Capos on Electric Guitars
Capos are not just for acoustics. On electric guitars they are common in indie, pop and worship music, where open chord shapes higher up the neck create a jangly, ringing sound. Electric necks are usually slimmer and have lower action, so a lighter capo with less pressure works best. If your strings go noticeably sharp with a capo, your action may be very low or the capo too strong; our guide on how to set up a cheap guitar covers action and intonation. Our Squier vs Epiphone comparison covers popular electrics that suit this style. Capoed chords on an electric also love a clean amp with a touch of light overdrive; our best practice amps roundup and our Blues Driver vs Tube Screamer vs Klon comparison help you find that sound.
What I Don't Like About Capos
They all affect tuning a little. Even the best capo needs a quick tuning check, and cheap ones can be badly off.
Trigger capos clamp hard. Fixed springs suit some guitars better than others.
Premium capos are pricey for what they do. A £60 to £90 capo is a luxury, not a necessity.
Capos can become a crutch. Some players avoid learning barre chords and other keys because a capo is easier. Use it to serve the song, not to avoid learning.
They mark necks. Over time, some capos can leave light marks on the back of the neck. Pads in good condition help.
Who Should Skip a Capo
Players focused on lead guitar and riffs. You may rarely need one.
Players learning their first chords. Learn the open chord shapes first; a capo becomes far more useful once you know them.
Nobody else, really. At under £25 for a good one, a capo is worth owning for almost every guitarist.
FAQ
What is the best capo for an acoustic guitar?
For most acoustic guitars, the Shubb C1 is the best capo because its adjustable tension keeps tuning stable. The Kyser Quick-Change is better if you need fast one handed changes on stage, and the G7th Performance 3 is the premium choice for the most precise fit and the least tuning drift.
Do capos damage guitars?
Capos do not damage guitars when used normally. Over time, some can leave light marks on the finish at the back of the neck, especially if the pads are worn. Avoid leaving a capo clamped on the neck for days, and replace worn pads. Storing it on the headstock is fine.
Can I use an acoustic capo on an electric guitar?
Yes, you can usually use a steel string acoustic capo on an electric guitar, because both have curved fingerboards. Electric necks are often slimmer and have lower action, so a lighter capo with adjustable or gentler tension tends to work better. Check your tuning after placing it, as strong springs can pull strings sharp.
Why does my guitar go out of tune with a capo?
A capo pushes the strings down slightly further than your finger would, which raises their pitch. Too much pressure, or placing the capo too far from the fret, makes it worse. Place it just behind the fret, use an adjustable capo if possible, and retune after clamping it on.
Do I need a special capo for a classical guitar?
Yes, classical guitars usually need a capo with a flat profile, because their fingerboards are flat and wide. A curved steel string capo may not press the outer strings properly, causing buzzing. Look for models labelled classical, such as the Dunlop Trigger Capo 88B or the classical versions from Kyser and Shubb.
The Bottom End
A good capo costs less than a set of strings and a takeaway, and it can transform how you write and play. For most players, the Shubb C1 is the best all round choice, with tuning stability that cheaper capos cannot match. Gigging players who need speed should reach for a Kyser Quick-Change, and if you want the very best fit, the G7th Performance 3 is worth the extra. Songwriters looking for something new should try a partial capo or a sliding design. Whichever you choose, place it close to the fret, check your tuning, and use it to find the key where your song really lives.
