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Tools for the Task: Capos

Ten capo options to open up your repertoire.

Keeping a capo in your case’s accessory compartment is like having an instant magic trick on hand. It’s a simple tool with many uses: changing keys on the fly, simplifying a song by eradicating barre chords, or providing a brighter timbre. Here’s just a sampling of current capo options.

Intellitouch CT1

This single-action capo offers vibration-based tuning, displayed on a large, backlit screen. It can tune 6- and 12-string guitars—electric and acoustic—without interference from background noise.

ONBOARD RESEARCH
$39

Fine Tune Capo

Shubb’s newest capo features an adjustable pressure knob that maintains a fixed relationship with the frame for improved ease of use and a low profile when stored behind the nut. The jeweler-style latch prevents accidental release.

SHUBB
$70

Spring Capo

This spring-style capo features thin tubing to work like an actual nut. It has comfortable padded grip handles and custom pivoting that self-calibrates to any instrument radius. They’re handmade and only cost nine bucks.

PAIGE MUSICAL PRODUCTS

Quick-Change

Available in many finishes, these handmade capos are a study in simplicity. One-handed operation lets you transpose in seconds, and you can clamp the capo to your headstock when not in use.

KYSER
$17

Trigger Curved Capo

This capo for curved fretboards features aluminum construction, a unique pressure pad that conforms to the fretboard and frets for minimum buzzing, and a padded, spring-action grip that releases with just a squeeze.

DUNLOP
$12

NS Tri-Action Capo

This capo’s geometry reduces the force needed to open and close it. It provides even tension regardless of neck profile, and side-to-side string-pull is virtually eliminated thanks to a micrometer tension adjustment and direct horizontal pressure.

D’ADDARIO
$18

Performance 2

This capo’s squeeze-on/squeeze-off action allows quick single-handed movement. Wraparound rubber protects the guitar’s finish, while the grooved barre rubber permits fine-tuning once the capo is set.

G7th
$59

Chrome Finish with Koa Inlay

Available in a wide variety of finish/inlay options, this capo has a “reverse action” design that makes it easy to apply via the same pinching action used to finger a barre chord. The included tuning kit contains a range of fret pads to match varying fretboard radiuses.

Thalia Capos
$60

14535 Capo

This die-cast zinc capo accommodates nearly any 6- or 12-string guitar with a curved fretboard. The parallel clamping mechanism and adjustable contact pressure minimize string bend while attaching the capo.

KÖNIG & MEYER
$44

Glider Capo

This capo can be pushed or pulled via its back roller for uninterrupted playing and seamless key changes, all while staying in tune. When no capo is needed, simply roll it up over the nut.

Fine Musical Products
$24