The Ultimate Capo Comparison | 8 Different Capos on Electric and Acoustic!

Continuing on his series of essential guitar concepts and comparisons, after our ultimate acoustic string comparison, Chris McKee is back to run down an often misunderstood subject-- capos. Discussing the implications of fretboard radius, pressure, adjustability, intonation, quick changing, and the differences on acoustic or electric guitars, this comprehensive class compares 8 different capos: the Dunlop Bill Russell Elastic, the Shubb, Kyser, Dunlop Trigger, D'addario Tri-Action, Taylor, G7th, and Thalia offerings. Take a listen and see which of these works best on both acoustic and electric, and find out for yourself if you've been using the wrong capo for all these years.
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#guitarcapocomparison #capo #guitarcapos

[@chugwaterjack4458]

Thanks for NOT obscuring the comparisons with fancy fingerwork and display of talent. One of the best comparison videos I've seen!

[@vocalion9519]

I was astounded watching John Prine’s Tiny Desk Concert when he whipped out one of those Dunlop elastic capos to use on his Martin D-42.

[@naturecoastmedia9505]

I have used most of the ones that you reviewed, I have settled on the Schubb, and am very happy with it.

[@arthurgordon6072]

I've had a Shubb for over twenty years. Never felt the need for any other.

[@bits-of-bass]

One nice thing about the Shubb is that you can take it up and down the neck and still get the right pressure. In addition to the adjustability, the Shubb positions really well just over or just behind the frets to avoid intonation problems, and the low profile doesn't get in the way when you chord right around the capo (think F barre descending down to E open). It's also good for partial capo-ing (e.g. leave the E or A string at full length but capo at 2nd fret). And... it fits in the Altoids box along with the picks.

[@bits-of-bass]

And one more thing... I put that Shubb right on top of the nut when I'm playing without a capo. There are no intonation problems, and then tension easily adjusts to the thicker width right around that spot. (I can also play the same capo on the banjo.)

[@arthurgordon6072]

@@bits-of-bass The only thing is, I can never decide which way up to fit it on the neck.

[@PeterWasted]

@@arthurgordon6072 Either way is fine. Shubb official videos show it done both ways.

[@billbailey9833]

Just another interesting, well thought out, and informative video. I have a Kyser that I've had for 30 years, a Thalia (Indian Rosewood), and a D'Addario Planet Waves NS Tri-Action. My favorite is the Planet Waves for the adjustability reasons you mentioned. I was scratching my head when you mentioned the pick holder so I had to get it out, and holy smokes...there it was. Never noticed it before. You learn something new everyday.

[@d35s2]

I might get one of those DÁddario Planet Waves adjustable ones. I have a beautiful Thalia, which I have ordered about 5 years ago, great to look at, but never use it, cannot get it on right, never sounds really good, so I use a handmade Czech one which looks like the Yamaha (excellent capo, adjustable!) and the Taylor capo, always works very well for me.

[@gradyyu2846]

Wow! What are the chances that Alamo Music Center makes a video about capos right when I was looking for a new one? Lol thanks for a super detailed video on all of these fantastic guitar capos. Great job!

[@hoodedbugler]

I would like to see a capo comparison video that also focuses on string bending. The most common problem is that bended strings can move under the capo and get stuck on that off position.

[@kdrake777]

I saw Dan Folgelburg in concert like 20 yrs ago using a Shubb so I bought one and it’s all I use.

[@24avenged24]

I got a Shubb capo a few months ago after using a Kyser forever. I can't recommend the Shubb enough, it works great and feels very solidly made. The adjustability is worth every penny more.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

I’ve gone the other way, longtime Shubb user but thought I’d give a Kyser a go as everyone uses them. I like the Kyser a lot but still prefer the Shubb. Happy playing!

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

I agree! I started with Shubb and along the way, people would give me capos try. None compare to a Shubb. They got it right the first time.

[@joecaner]

Agreed! I have recently discovered Shubb capos and they outperform capos that cost 3x to 4x the price.

[@jannes340]

Which shubb did you buy?

[@jannes340]

Or does it not really matter

[@glennray1901]

Thank you for a very thorough review. I've used all of these except for the Thalia and the Shubb is my go-to. I actually use several and have them dialed in for different fret positions (2-3, 4-5, 6-7) so I rarely need to mess with the tension. Another feature is that they have 3 and 5-string versions for simulating alternate tuning.

[@shawnreed9016]

Very interesting video. You put out some very useful information. I am in the market for a Capo so this was perfect timing for me. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Lubbock. 🤠🎸🤘

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lhvent]

The Shubb is my favorite

[@oscarchuquillanqui8574]

Almost 50 minutos of Capos, this is sick!

[@flukyreview9128]

So all in all, the Shubb still is the winner overall you can’t beat the Shubb in price , value and performance. I disagree with the reviewers comment of you can’t fine tune the Shubb after it is mounted. Of course you can, just adjust the tension knurled screw while it’s mounted. I have been using Shubb for almost 15 years and no other capos comes close.

[@charlesbranch4120]

Thank you again, Chris. I enjoy your humor along with the discussion on the criteria for selection (capo: tension, fretboard radius, adjustability- continuous vs. detent, string pad). "What to look for in a fill-in-the-blank" are quite helpful. Andy Powers' talk on picks and strings is great from Taylor Primetime. And tomorrow a discontinued Breedlove non-cutaway guitar model arrives!

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mshomefire]

Agreed I never learnt this

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

I have two Thalia capos.... LOVE them! The first one I got was an early one and it separated. Their rep sent me a new one for exchange and added that this is indeed a common issue on the first runs. Had zero issue with the second one, which I bought a couple of years later. Ive used them to death and they are awesome. Product and customer service are gold. Thanks Man!!

[@PaulGAckerman]

this was an excellent in-depth review

[@SimplyBS]

Used Kyser for years, but recently bought a Stubb C1 for my D-18 and I love it.

[@tedbaker9070]

I love my Paige -- adjustability of the Shubb, but it can rest behind the nut easily so playing with/without the capo becomes really easy! Having used the Kyser quick-change, a couple of Shubbs, and the Paige, the last is my favorite.

[@matthewdunkel344]

The Thalia says to place it in the middle of the fret, not up against it like a regular style capo. This helped me with the tuning stability a lot.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

ITS MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION THAT ALL CAPOS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE FRET. HOW THIS BULLSHIT ALL STARTED OF PLACING IT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE FRET IS BEYOND ME. ONCE THE NONSENSE HIT KZbin IT WAS "SAW IT ON THE INTERNET".

[@mikee6666]

Yeah, I just don't get the "right behind the fret" approach in general. A simple A/B between that and centered between the frets should prove in 30sec that putting the capo up against the frets is just a plain bad way of doing it.

[@pauldornquast5538]

@@TRICK-OR-TREAT236 Also as a professional I have to strongly disagree. When you play a bar chord doesn't it sound better and ring more true when your 1st finger is just behind the fret? I have never tried a Thalia capo and they are very pretty but ridiculously over priced. Personally I don't really care what a capo looks like. I have an old Martin D-35, a couple Taylors, including a 32 year old 855c 12 string, Tele, Strat, and nothing I've ever tried works as well as the original Shubb and I have always placed it just behind the fret. I paid $15.95 nearly 40 years ago for a brass Shubb that works like a champ to this day. I think that is a testament to it's smart design. I don't see what possible advantage putting a capo mid fret brings to the guitar.

[@slooky14]

@@TRICK-OR-TREAT236 Why are you yelling?

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

@@slooky14 THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU JUST SAID AND HOW STUPID THAT IS O.K. ? I GUESS YOU SHOULD PUT YOUR FINGERS IN YOUR EARS RIGHT ? ARE YOU DOING IT NOW WHILE YOU READ THIS ? BY THE WAY ........... WHY ARE YOU WHISPERING DUDE ? L.O.L. 😂🤣😂

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

nice demo and review, Chris! My favorite all-time capo after playing for 35 years is the Planet Waves Dual Action Capo. I got it free when someone left it in a guitar case, from a guitar I purchased on my local Craigslist. SCORE lol!! 🐰❤️🌼🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@MrGoose-ed4kb]

Thanks for making this video. I've ordered myself a Shubb S1 👍

[@davidainsworth5193]

I have found with any type of spring capo that when putting the capo on people can tend to push the strings a bit and when the capo clamps on it secures with a slight bend on the strings. You really need to get the capo opened up, bring onto the neck and then slowly close so it comes to rest on the strings. Makes a big difference

[@marctestarossa]

Also sometimes it can help to put the capo on in a slight angle. That depends on the string gauge and the size of the frets. On my 6-string acoustic I need to put the capo on slanted, so that it sits on the lower strings more in the middle of the fret and on the high strings closer to the actual metal of the fret. But it all comes down to using good tools and using them a lot. I use a Kyser capo like all the time, because I transpose everything around a lot and often use it with guitar duos so that I play a different voicing of the same chords to make it sound more interesting.

[@hidesertmusic]

Thanks again for taking time to do this comparison. I have a Thalia and gave one to our worship pastor for Christmas. They fill my needs. I’ve owned most of the ones you showed. I play Taylor’s so the Thalia is perfect for 5 of my guitars but I have another brand so I don’t have to switch. Always need something to tinker with.

[@AlamoMusic]

I think many of these can be ideal for one guitar. I change guitar a lot and I know others do to which is what got me thinking about the variables and adjustments. I have two Thalia’s but once I have them set with a certain pad, I never change it. -Chris

[@jessejohnson8087]

Great review--great help in choosing the right capo.

[@colbrt]

Great video! I'm a bit of a capo junkie and it's neat to see the comparison. Something newer players might note, notice how the capo is kept parallel to the fret; often I see players angling this in their haste to get the capo applied.

[@rzh3443]

Thanks for the shoot out! I like the Shubb but recently bought a Thalia. I haven’t had the buzz issue (low E down), but I wish they would find a better way to mark the radii on each pad. The molded in numbers are hard to read. I have guitars with several different radii. Color coded would be one way to do that. Also note that you need to order , at small extra cost, special pads for a 14 inch radius and for 12 string guitars.The new G7 looks interesting as well.

[@Glicksman1]

My fave capo? G7th. It works without having to retune (well, maybe just a little) or change pads to anything at all except pressure on Telecasters, Rick 12s, and Marin D-45s. That's good enough for me. Placed on the bass side puts more pressure on the lower strings which need it more. Of course, your guitar must be well intoned to use any capo or as you go higher it will be intrinsically out of tune.

[@ukeplayalongs]

Just to let you know about it, Jowoom (a Chinese company) released a capo with a tuner in it! It’s pretty affordable for a decent capo and tuner. It might be something your store or others want to look at. It’s called the GrabTune. I play ukulele, so it’s really too long for my application...so it would be nice to see a uke version too. On ukulele, I really like the Schubb Lite for Ukulele (adjustable tension) and the Ultralight Capo by G7th (minimal). I know...not a ukulele channel, but there’s still a lot of information on this channel that is applicable and worth knowing.

[@denisejacobs8886]

My Luthier told me NEVER one of those spring loaded clip capos, so I use the Shubb

[@garyheaton4791]

Shubb looks like the way to go for me..I bought a Dunlop a few months ago..not very happy with it to be honest. Thanks for the video, it moved along nicely!! 😁👌✌

[@Denon395]

I have been using the Shubb for over 20 years on my acoustics and classics and will never use anything else. They are the best capo in the world.

[@braveheart4603]

G7ths are the only capos I'd put above the shub. I've had a couple and never came across a fretboard radius that it doesn't adapt to and fret perfectly with no buzz and minimal pressure required. They are expensive though but it's the only one I've came across that has adapted to every guitar I've tried it on and I've tried it on many many guitars of various neck and fretboard styles.

[@braveheart4603]

@Joan Snow I was talking about the performance 3 with what they're calling ART which they designed to help it adapt to different radius fretboards. I've seen them on ebay for around 35 quid which I think well worth it. I also have a g7th heritage model but that basically lives in it's box except maybe the odd time I use it on my 12 string acoustic.

[@mikee6666]

​@@braveheart4603 +1 Same here, works awesomely on every guitar I've tried it on.

[@MaryLouLord1]

@@braveheart4603 Try the new Earnie Ball "AXIS"...it is incredbible. I'm long term Shubb user, but dam! this capo is awesome.

[@Randorita]

I also subscribe to the Tommy Emmanuel capo adjustment. I push down on the strings a couple of times and my acoustics are in tune, but I don't throw mine over my shoulder when I take them off! I am using the G7th ART and like it a lot. I also have 2 Schubs. My first one wasn't wide enough for a 1-3/4 nut size. The first one worked well with my V neck Martin. The G7th is my choice, but it took me a few times to start getting the tension right.

[@shaneroberts9466]

I have all of the capos you showed except for the G7. I have several Shubbs: uke, 6 string, 12 string, half capo, etc. and I think Shubb is best overall but I still use the Thalia most of the time because its quicker and most of my guitars have the same radius and never had an issue from guitar to guitar. The Taylor capo looks like my Paige, guessing they make it. I have a mic stand with a dozen quick release capos clamped to it and after a while the pad deforms to the shape of the mic stand! Is best to not keep them clamped for long periods. I also have a glider capo that is metal and has two springs on each side and it attaches similar to your $4 model by stretching around and latching. It does work but not one of my favorites. The G7 capo you demo'd would be too temperamental for me. Good video, very informative.

[@peterbayliss1484]

The best thing I learned is that your capo radius needs to match your fret board radius. 😎

[@lonestarpatriot876]

Own a ton of Thalia stuff, including their Capo. Absolutely phenomenal company. I simply dedicate each Capo to the guitar it will be used on. They sale custom Pick Guards, Truss Rod Covers, Bridge Pins, Picks, Pick Pucks etc etc. Their stuff is simply amazing and worth every penny. Great customer service as well and made in America.

[@eric1086]

I’ve found Thalia Capos buzz pretty bad. Their customer service is pretty poor, too. I unfortunately paid for an expensive 😂 product that was damaged within a year from light playing, and customer service was a nightmare to work with. Need to find a competitor product which is why I’m here!

[@RandallHayter]

I have an old Wilkinson that works well on tighter radius necks, but I don't use it very often because my cheap Nordic Essentials trigger type works great when placed immediately behind the fret.

[@teladan5]

Saw this yesterday for the first time. I have a Kyser, and was having intonation problems on my primary guitar. Chris mentioned bending the back leg to reduce the tension. I tried that and was surprised at the improvement. Not perfect, but it was significantly better with no buzz.

[@stevelandress]

The Thalia instructions say to place the capo halfway between the frets and not right behind the fret. I've been using Thalia capos for quite a while and the placement is important.

[@abittenf]

Excellent video !

[@scottfishkind5335]

The D'Addario Tri-Action is my go-to so far, and it works quite well but I am curious to try the Shubb also.

[@teviswest]

The Kyser has one option to help change some tension. If you slip the clear rubber piece off and flip it around, the one side is thinner than the other. It isn't much, but I've found it to be just enough to lessen some tension, if needed. I also have a few of the Dunlop trigger capo's and have never had any tuning/intonation issues using it on either acoustic or electric. It has always worked well for me on both. It seems to have a slightly less tension than the Kyser.

[@glorioskiola]

Love my Thalia capo. (Wait for a sale! 😁)

[@Dakota.Covers]

I love geeking out like this.

[@mikee6666]

For me: I've got that model G7th, the one with ART. And I absolutely freaking love it, so much so that it's the only time I've ever written to a manufacturer of a product to tell them so and thank them. Switching from the ease-of-use Kyser (which I still think is a pretty good capo, but only ever keep as a spare now), I admit that it took a little getting used to with squeezing the capo on instead (like, a couple of days). But that's one of the advantages (and was a BIG issue I was having with Kysers); it means you can apply the exact amount of tension that you need, no more and no less. Your fingers know how much tension to use, that's how you play bar chords, so it's only a small step to nailing the capo tension. Or even better - I go light on the tension, and fine tune by apply more pressure until it's on just tight enough to stop buzzing; at that point it's basically applying ideal tension. And with the ART tech, it's applying an evened out tension across all the strings. It's capo use without juggling semi-muted, buzzing, and pulled-sharp strings. Which ultimately affects the whole tone of the guitar, something that I wasn't expecting but that just blew me away when I first heard it. With no other way to explain it - it sounds like the guitar is supposed to sound; I never noticed or appreciated how much other capos had altered the tone until I got the G7th. So yeah, I'm unabashedly a 100% G7th fanboy now, lol.

[@f3uibeghardt522]

And we framed and hung your letter in our reception room for all to see. Just kidding, I don't work for G7. Anyway, has the rubber on yours become dislodged and you had to re-glue it like I have?

[@mikee6666]

@@f3uibeghardt522 Nah, never had any problems with it. The rubber's fine. The only capo that I've had to reglue the rubber back on to was my first budget capo, which I also had to resew the strap back on to. A six dollar piece of crap, lol. Still got it in the kit as a "backup", even though I haven't used it in something like 20yrs.

[@sundialsoft]

I say CAPO with a hard A as in Alice not CAYPO with a soft A as is hay. I have several capos. The Shubb and the G7th seem to work best for me. Great video. Thanks for taking so much time to record this super capo overview.

[@uvp5000]

First off: nicely done comparison. The video is rather watchable and proceeds nicely. I have Planet Waves, Kyser, G-7th (two different versions 1 & 2), Dunlop, and Shubb. I primarily play acoustic 6 strings with medium strings. In my experience, the Planet Waves causes the greatest problems for me and I have to mount the sucker in such a way that it does not sit flush on the back of the neck. Good to note that others have good experiences with this capo. I don't really check my tuning with the Kysers I have (mostly at home alone) but I enjoy them a lot. The Dunlop is a similar experience to the Kyser. The Dunlop and Kyser capos are very easy and enjoyable for me to use (not a gigging musician). The G-7th takes more work but typically gives good results. The Shubb? It's not as easy for me as the Kyser/Dunlop but the fact that it is adjustable does help keep the guitar from going too sharp. My favorites in order (remember, I am not a gigging musician as of this writing): 1) Kyser 2) Shubb 3) Dunlop 4) G-7th 5) Planet Waves I have played gigs and, if I was going to do so, I'd have a Shub for each guitar I used set for what I anticipated playing. With all that said, if staying closest in tune is important, go with the Shubb.

[@TheEchelon]

Which planet waves capo did you use though, they have multiple models. Is it the thumbscrew adjustable one, CP01?

[@1rwjwith]

I have found the Shubb to be the best for me for both acoustic and electric. One thing to mention is the SHUBB bar over the strings is half the width of the one on the Kyser type, they get in the way of my hands a lot more and buzz way more.so Shubb for me so far, the "quick change" doesn't matter if its buzzing on the Kyser!

[@nwr613]

Hi Chris...Great demo...I'm with you on the Shub and also agree with buying the one made in the USA and not "other places" that we shall not name. What a lot of guitar players who don't use capos believe is, it only for pickers who don't know how to play in Bflat or D Sharp but it should be pointed out that many pickers want the open chord SOUND....For instance playing a John Prine tune say "Paradise" where you want that low E tuned down to a D and play it in an open D position. However, if you can't SING it in the key of D then to get the same effect you need that capo. One other thing about capos in general and Taylor guitars. I have an older 110 and a BBT. As soon as I use a capo on either of them I hear a noticeable loss of brightness in that signature Taylor resonance. I can speculate all I want but I'm not a luthier so it is only speculation when I say that perhaps it is the material of the nut itself that promotes or enhances the Taylor SOUND. When I place my Shub on my OMC-Pa4 Martin there is not that loss of resonance, or on any other of my acoustic guitars...Has anyone else noticed that with the capo on your Taylor...Chris??

[@buskman3286]

Good video, nice job!! I've been gigging for more years than I care to mention and probably longer than Chris has been alive! :) IMO, the Shubb is the best capo as far as performing its specific function on an acoustic guitar (don't know nuthin 'bout no electric guitars). But despite that, I use a Kyser in public because it's the quickest to apply/remove/change and nobody is interested in watching a performer futz around with a capo. So: If I am recording I use a Shubb - the tension adjustment can produce less "bending" of the string as it presses and, therefore better intonation. It also intrudes less on your chording hand for certain chords. Live, I use a Kyser because it's quick and the intonation issue isn't usually(!) noticeable in that environment. The Kyser can be placed further back from the fret to provide similar freedom of movement but that typically increases intonation issues.

[@sgierling]

I've used the tri-action capos for years for adjustability but they don't work with the neck carve on my 517 Builder's Edition. Tried the G7th performance 3 and it's perfect. Works great on my electrics too. I guess alot depends on strong gauge.

[@kimrichert4991]

Ok, while I too prefer my Shubb (nice folks, they even sold me replacement rubber parts when mine wore out!), one of the things that is nice about the trigger style capos is that they can be left on the head stock for quicker access.... I have also seen some that "roll on and off" - a bit different than the Taylor though... great job, btw.

[@MaryLouLord1]

Earnie Ball recently put one out called the "AXIS".....it's pretty inexpensive, and hands down, the best Capo I have ever used. I'm a long time, long term Shubb snob, but this capo (the AXIS) has sold me. Better than a G7, better than Kaiser, better than ANY of them. I'm shook! :)

[@EzyoMusic]

I feel like the G7th Newport is what the Shubb should’ve been because unlike the Shubb, you can adjust the tension while it’s on the guitar. Great little capo.

[@Texfire]

I tried a couple different brand/types when I got back into playing and ended up falling in love with the Shubb S1... Until I saw Molly Tuttle using a Shubb called the Fine Tune. At twice the price of the S1 I hesitated, then ordered two, one for my Taylor 12-string, and another for my Taylor 6-string. They were perfect for me, easy to put on and remove, stored up above the nut, and didn't have a lot of extra stuff hanging off and behind the neck. Taylor didn't have their capo in that same style, or I would have tried that instead. I will say the Fine Tune seems to be easier to remove than the Taylor version, and works fine on my Larrivee guitars just as well.

[@Richard-uh8oq]

I have all of theses capos and also an Elliot which is very expensive , but I still keep going back to my Shubb the fact that you can fine tune it is great , it still pays to tune after you put it on just to make sure . I wonder if they will ever create the perfect capo ,here’s hoping .

[@Eyedunno]

I have 8 or 9 capos, and my favorites are the Shubb and the D'Addario/Planet Waves NS Pro. The disadvantages of the Shubb, not mentioned in the video, are how it flops around when it's not installed, and more importantly, the fact that you can't clip it on the headstock when it's not in use. Otherwise, it's great, and is my favorite (though I don't have a guitar with a fretboard radius under 12.5"). The NS Pro uses a thumbscrew, and as such can't be changed as quickly, though it's also not terrible--certainly better than an elastic band or a toggle capo, and the thumbscrew is very smooth (the NS Lite is slightly larger and worse). However, it is TINY, you can clamp it onto the headstock (even my cramped travel guitar headstock that I can't get a headstock tuner on has room for it), and you can dial it in perfectly. I recently got a Kyser, and I am... underwhelmed. The one thing I like about it is how quickly it can be moved from the headstock to the fretboard and back again.

[@paulzulmira694]

The radius of the capo is important but, if you're playing mostly acoustic guitars, not critical: the rubber pad on a good capo will usually compensate for small radius differences between fretboards. For me, the key thing is the adjustability of the tension, so that you don't get rattles when you change guitar or put the capo on the lower or higher frets. I don't think a single spring can have the right tension on all guitars or all frets. So I prefer a capo with a fine-tuning screw mechanism. The SHUBB you demonstrate is great but, at least with the one I have, you have to adjust the screw before clipping the capo in place: this means sometimes having to take it off again and guessing how much to tighten or slacken the screw. The best, inexpensive, capo for adjusting the tension with a screw once the capo is in place, is the PLANET WAVES CAPO PRO. This works great on acoustic and electric guitars: you adjust the tension just enough to stop rattles and the rubber pad takes care, nicely, of your intonation. Another excellent capo is the G7th yoke-type Heritage, which you mention. Again, you adjust the tension with a screw, and the pad - in this case G7th's special "adaptive radius technology" - does the rest - no rattles and no intonation problems, whether you've switched guitars or whether you're at the bottom or top of the neck. Like for the Taylor capo, the ads for the Heritage make a big deal about "storing" the capo behind the nut. I wouldn't bother: by the time you've tightened the capo enough to keep it in place there, it's putting pressure on your strings and is likely to affect the intonation (as you mention). None of the three capos I'm recommending are one-hand jobs or suitable for moving up or down mid-song. But so what? They're really easy to use and adjust BETWEEN songs. No rattles, good tone on every string and great intonation on a whole range of guitars. They're WORRY-FREE - and two of the three are not very expensive.

[@w5bbaker]

Chris: I want to thank you very sincerely for this video. I have a Stretta Vita by Dean Zelinsky that I ordered with a few extras that I absolutely love. I have been playing it for quite some time and have never worried about a capo. Lately, I have been working on a number of songs where a capo would make things a little easier. When I tried my Planet Waves and Kyser capos that I use with my Ibanez guitar, I found them to be totally unsatisfactory. Those clamp type capos were putting far too much tension on the guitar. I have been looking at the G7th Performance 3, and after this video, that is what I will try next, possibly as early as tomorrow. Thank you, Bill in Toronto

[@TorrentFiend10]

I've also been a long time shubb capo user but honestly I bought that thing like 30 years ago and it was the first version design before they improved it a bit. Still love what a great capo it has been but significant downsides of not being able to easily clip it to the headstock being one of the major ones for me as well as timely micro adjustments always needed for that thing because if you squeeze it onto the first fret you will have to readjust the heck out of that tension setting if you use it on the 4th or 5th fret. The shubb capo is very good once you have it adjusted correctly but there's this whole dance involved that takes a good 30 seconds or more which usually means you start by trying to clamp it and if it seems too tight or too loose you adjust the attention, then you try to clamp it again seeing if the tension setting is right, back and forth back and forth until you get just the right tension, usually this happens within 15 seconds or so....... But I really got tired of this...... It is a fantastic capo and I never have string buzzing when adjusted correctly but the problem is constantly having to adjust it! I opted to upgrade to the very good D'Addario capo..... The tri-action NS one...... Now I can easily clip it on the headstock and if the tension is a little bit too tight I just quickly listen to screw, most of the time if I had it on a higher Fred and then put it on fret one or two again and it's a bit loose all I do is clamp it in a second or two quick little turn of the screw cuz you can adjust it while it is still in place. I absolutely love that I can tighten the tension without having to unclamp the thing entirely like the shubb. If there is any string buzz at all it's usually just the first string and a quick little turn of the screw while it is still on the guitar without even having to remove it quickly fixes it. Bottom line is the shubb is very outdated in 2024..... The D'Addario tri-action is top-notch in my opinion as it allows very quick capo changes and better yet very quick micro adjustments to dial in the tension. Absolutely love having it on the headstock with me at all times so I don't have to look on the counters and area around me to locate where I last placed my capo. I thought I would never use the built-in guitar pick holder gimmick it also has but to my surprise it does a great job of clapping tightly onto your pic so you don't have to worry it will fall out...... Surprisingly I even use the little cute gimmick of the pick holder the capo has as well. I keep the capo and guitar pick clipped to my headstock at all times while not playing it..... Simply pick up the guitar, pluck the pick from the capo on the headstock and start strumming. I still think if I ever get brave enough to drop the money required on the Thalia capo it might be even better but for now I'm quite happy with my D'Addario capo and probably won't find the need to upgrade, unless I suddenly find myself in a new tax bracket maybe. For those with the attention span required hopefully this review has been helpful.... Great video and very thorough. Greatly appreciated by real guitar players everywhere.

[@miguelgomez7707]

Bro! Really? There is an Ad in every capo change 😡 Btw really nice comparison, personally I own a G7th and it’s the best capo I have ever owned, not cheap, but it comes with lifetime warranty so that’s a plus, the intonation is pretty good with the capo and the A.R.T technology is awesome how it shapes to the radius of your fret board. I love it, and I recommend it to anyone who reads this comment. And if you are like me who is always trying to find the best gear for your guitar, let me just say that I spent a long time trying different capos until I came across the G7th and never looked back.

[@brianrollins7275]

I just ordered mine today and can’t wait to try it on both my electric and acoustic guitars. Glad I came across your comment. Thanks for confirming my purchase was a good one. Peace

[@orabidoomed]

I gotta admit that I have laid my eyes on that sexy Thalia capo. However, I have used Shubb for many years and those have worked just perfectly. I use the 12 string capo version on al my 6 strings, even on my Fender Tele. The extra length of the sleeve makes the capo able to fit any neck - even if it is not placed right at the center on the back. I gently hold my thumb the moment I tighten the capo, and the guitar is in perfect tune on any fret.

[@KJ-pl4sr]

For the quick change styles, if you're not careful you can push the strings sideways, that being said, ANY time you put a capo on due to physics it's going to pull sharp and the guitar should be tuned to the capo position, this occurs even on high end models. The same thing happens to a degree when you fret a note, again it occurs just to the physics of pulling the string down to the fret board, James Taylor came up with a way to combat this by tuning certain strings some degree to the flat side, check out his video on it.

[@mikee6666]

Yes and no, and capos with adjustable tension help a lot (compared to eg spring tension). Scientifically, purely looking at the physics, then yes any capo will pull the strings sharp. As do bar chords. As do single fingered notes. By the nature of the instrument, anything other than an open string is pulled and sharpened. A good guitar is designed with that in mind. A good guitar set up with good string height and intonation also has that in mind. Cheaper capos and capos without adjustable tension are pretty much a guarantee that you'll have to retune when you pop in on. But capos with adjustable tension and adjustable radius do a very good job of mitigating that issue, often requiring either no retuning or just string-pull fine tuning. Yes, there are unavoidable exceptions to that; for example the first couple of frets are always nasty and will almost certainly require a retune no matter what you use; and obviously for something like recording you'd be tuning it with the capo on regardless. But with a good guitar with a good set up (which should be a given for anyone serious about this topic) and a good quality capo correctly used, you'd be surprised at how little retuning is generally required. Btw, I've seen that James Taylor vid, it's very good. I felt so redeemed - up until I saw it I thought I was the only weirdo that tuned strings deliberately flat, lol. He brought up one point that I had to find out the hard way over time, and that I absolutely wish I'd known when first starting out - that guitars are an imperfect instrument and it's impossible to tune them perfectly. Honestly, trying to tune guitars when I first starting playing drove me mad. I knew HOW to tune, technically. But used to get extremely frustrated when I'd cross check tunings, and notes would never match up right. The short of it, ended up eventually developing what I dubbed my "compensated tuning". Thus . . . . I felt so redeemed, lol. It coincidentally is actually very similar to the tuning JT describes.

[@barrymead8414]

Thanks, a really useful video

[@texhaines9957]

I used to use an old Dunlop. Trying to have a Shrub for most. Got 2 Thalia capos set up for a Taylor and another for Martin acoustic. I've had problems with the plastic ones cracking in the cold & when they warned enough to use, they just break apart. Getting a better guitar case to keep out the cold. Great comparison. Thanks Chris & out of sight guitar angels.

[@joycesampsonmusic9553]

I have the Kyser and a couple others and the G7. The G7 beats them all for clarity for not putting the acoustic out of tune. The best way I found to put it on was from the bass side, and when you put it on, just place it down directly over the front and apply an even pressure from the front - very quick to get on correctly every time after just a couple of practice tries.

[@menahemrosen5192]

I have a Dunlop Trigger Capo (84FB) for my Taylor acoustic. It is low-profile, unlike the Kyser. The spring is very strong, and gripping and opening it is often less than easy or comfortable.(Maybe I'll use it to exercise my hand!). Once in place, though, it seems to do an adequate job.

[@roadbiker1]

Great comparison! I have Shubbs (2), G7th (Newport and Performance), Thalia, D'Addario (Tri- action and NS), and a few others. The one I use the most is probably the G7th Newport because is is the easiest to use with the lowest profile. I like the Thalia, but it's huge. The G7th Performance is great and the Shubbs work well with a low profile. IMO, the best bang for the buck is the D'Addario NS. It's inexpensive, adjustable, and works great. It's not a quick change capo, but for the price, you can't beat it.

[@IIImobiusIII]

G7th is my favorite. Never looked back. Isn't my most expensive though. That would be the Steinberger Baritone Transcale Guitar. The only Capo that comes with a Guitar.

[@berniecochrane2071]

This is s nice video, I like the way you example strings playing the same tune as easier to detect sound changes which can be ' not much'. I fully appreciate you cannot examp,e ALL types of strings as so many, perhaps though going tbrough the wider variations one can get i.e. thinknesx, material etc., without neccessarily using same type but showing how it sounds with different manufacturer might just have been preferred, however that is my personal thought. Really appreciate you taking time out to give us these videos. Regards. Betnie. Englannd.

[@MsDenver2]

I’ve used G7th capo for years and they are fantastic. Your going on about adjustment ? There is no need for adjustment on the G7th , when you put it on just press it down behind the fret , easy pezy . My guitar is always in tune with this capo it the best and no need to adjust

[@robertnewell5057]

Great review, Chris. The big problems with the G7 are a) as you say, you have to get used to using them; b) there is a tradeoff between clarity of tone, intonation and buzz - very hard to get all 3 good. I use one but was dissappointed at UK£33. I notice you didn't do Paige, which are as simple as you can get, competely adjustable and very slender profile. I'll probably end up going back to mine and write off the £33. Thanks again.

[@dustinmhill]

I personally like the Ernie Ball capos. Similar to a Kyser or Dunlop (I have both), but a little less pressure and has a curved surface on one side and flat on the other so you can choose which works best for different guitars.

[@bandit4915]

I have 4 out of the 8 including the Thalia and to me the G7 does the best job with staying in tune on all my guitars

[@timaragon]

I've used all the capos listed here and from a hundred different brands. G7th is easily the best built of the bunch. It's sturdier, doesn't degrade over time like Kysers or Dunlops, and can achieve shubb accuracy of tension with a little practice. After a week to a month of straight use with a G7th, most people can't go back because it's so much faster than a Shubb and has similar performance. It doesn't have the problems of having too much force or tension like Kyser or Dunlops and other similar style capos. It also isn't likely to damage your neck like those capos are infamously known to do. Unfortunately, the electric guitar example isn't done well here because it needs practice on how to properly apply pressure from Acoustic to Electric and vice versa. After getting used to it, it shouldn't go out of tune ever. If it does, you're doing something wrong. The G7th is unforgiving in that way because it relies on accurate muscle memory when applying pressure on the strings. But, like with everything on guitar, practice goes a long way.

[@mikee6666]

True, doesn't take long to learn what pressures work best. But even without the muscle memory, all you need to do is put it on fairly lightly, and then fine tune it by squeezing until the pressure is just right. Slowly apply pressure while playing the strings; when the buzzing stops, the pressure is exactly where it should be. I would even venture to say the G7th is faster than a Kaiser (certainly in my experience anyway). The G7th, you just put it on and 9 times out of 10 you're ready to play (that other time, you take it off again to find the guitar was out of tune anyway, lol). With Kaiser (and similar no doubt), you first have to find *that* particular position to make it sit right, and basically nearly always have to retune . . . . . which of course also means another retune when changing positions or taking it off. G7th = faster, easier, and sounds better.

[@LMacNeill]

I have an acoustic with a 12" radius, and I've owned one of those G7th capos for about a year now. It definitely requires *just* the right amount of pressure when you're putting it on -- but it's relatively easy to learn how much pressure to apply for your specific guitar. I've never tried to use it on an electric guitar, though.

[@soundmapper]

I have been using the same kaiser type capo for 25+ years on acoustics and electrics with zero problems. I actually didn't know there were tuning problems with capos...

[@OldBlue83]

Great comparison video Chris! I wonder what your thought would be on the G7th Newport that actually combines micro adjustability with the cam system?

[@terrytewell5507]

I have a friend who plays a mean guitar. His main flaw he always called a capo, a CAPON! I always asked him how he was going to keep a neutered rooster on his guitar neck? He always gave me the strangest look.

[@LairdDavidson]

I've been through a few capos over the years. I now use the G7th Performance, haven't tried the Art version. I'm really happy with it. It looks nice and works well. Fast to deploy and easy to move out the way when not needed. There's also little risk of damage to the guitar and the company seems to be decent too. They do make other capos so you can choose one with a manual adjustable tension knob if you need one along with several other designs. The only downside is they aren't cheap but they do come with a lifetime warranty. (No affiliation)

[@twelthstring]

If you want the Shubb, buy the old version without the wheel. The wheel version is less suitable for fat necks or high on the neck. To much pressure in that case. Another problem is that the lever has a bow. When your hand hits it, the capo drops on the floor unless you applied a lot of pressure. Also, pressing down the high e needs a lot of pressure. Using the Shubb upside down solves that problem, but then it gets in the way of your hand

[@nicolen.9642]

I have a Shubb, really good, easy and tension adjustable 👍...I gave up Kyser (hard on my - old - hand muscle and not adjustable)...🎶🎶🎶

[@jsarty54]

The Shubb is my favourite, at this point

[@FrumPilot]

Appreciate this video. I play mostly a classical guitar. I haven't really found a capo that makes the guitar sound natural except for barring with the hands. For years I used the Dunlop capo (not the elastic) and I was pretty satisfied with that. Just bought a Wingo capo to see how that will perform. Seems slimmer than some of the others and looks more like a G7.

[@slinkytreekreeper]

I'd say have a look at the planet waves one for classical if still needing something perfect. Very slim, fine adjustability even when fitted and seems super tanky. It's 8 years old and looks very close to new still.

[@FrumPilot]

@@slinkytreekreeper Pretty satisfied with the Wingo, but rarely use a capo. Will check out the Planet waves though. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@robmiller3464]

Chris, thanks for you’re capo review. You did however omit a few, or at least a couple great capo’s. Paige and D’Addario NS capo pro are excellent capo’s. I don’t blame you but tell your producer to do more research.

[@chumn54]

From a players perspective, I think the Paige is the most versatile capo. Because of it’s small size it can be attached behind the nut. You can play any song that doesn’t require a capo and immediately slide the Paige into place from behind the nut for songs that do. You are never searching for your capo! Because it’s pressure sensitive with a screw adjustment you can very easily snug it up to the strings for the proper tension in a matter of seconds this is huge when performing one song after another.

[@jimmycollette9209]

I have four guitars. One electric and three acoustic. I use a kyser on all but different one for each. You are right about the difference between the electric and acoustic. The acoustic model definitely changes the timing of the electric. I find even with the one made for the electric if you put it directly on the fret it will be in tune but behind the fret not and I have tens on the electric. They work fine on my acoustics.

[@sandramorey2529]

I got a good laugh in the airport when I saw the capo I was using way back being sold as a device from which to hang clothing while traveling. I kid you not, it was my capo. It is long gone so I can't recall the brand name.

[@Kingeptacon]

I bought a Shubb FineTune Capo F1 a couple of years ago. Best capo I've ever used. The tension knob is numbered which makes tuning super quick. I often dial it in so exact that when I take the capo off the guitar it's still in tune. It's not a cheap capo costing $80 but what's 80 bucks when you're gonna be using it for the next 20+ years.

[@shred5]

This was a great review. I have been a Shubb fan since I picked up my first one over 20 years ago. I like Kysers for their simplicity, but they don't have the same intonation. I've also had several cheaper knock offs of Shubbs over the years, and most were cheaper for a reason. On a budget, D'Addario makes a capo that is just a screw on that works very well, but doesn't have a preset clamp on feature like a Shubb. Unless you have 40 guitars and keep one in every case, spend the extra money on the Shubb.

[@gilcmic]

I gig 5 days a week and use a capo almost every song…. have used the kyser capos a lot and I have found that they may be causing my frets to get dented because they might be too tight.. I will switch to the shubbs and see if that helps.. any suggestions welcomed. thank you!

[@thmoorer]

I love my G7th. I find I must shift it around to the sweet spot.

[@justinm.1]

Used to have a Kyser. I switched to the Dunlop because I was told that the Kyser actually makes the strings feel too tight

[@VanCamelCat]

Fantastically detailed video. Thanks 👍 I feel so ignorant though, because...how come no one seems to talk about universal capos on classical guitars? Would all of these work on a classical guitar just the same? (I'm mostly curious about the G7th & the Thalia)

[@mfurman]

Great video, as always (I have Planet Waves NS Tri-Action Capo). I really like your channel. The only problem is that with the number of KZbin adds you allow, it is becoming difficult to listen.

[@rpeirce9044]

It’s true. I have been watching this and thinking I’ve never seen so many ads in one video. Quite annoying!

[@guyrose6602]

I have a Shubb and a G7, love them both. But what I really love about the G7 is that I never look for it. When I do not use it, I lightly squeeze it on the head, no risk to damage the finish and always right there under my nose. The Thalia seems to have the same advantage.

[@MaryLouLord1]

try the earnie ball "Axis"...it's amazing. AND cheap!

[@patricklundquist9869]

There is some real magic to be found in a guitar by using a partial 3 string hold down capo at either the 2nd or 4th fret. With a partial capo there are things you can play between the capo and the nut. Moving past the capo quickly is the trick. I prefer Shubb for that reason because the parts stick out the least of all the partial capos leaving less to bang into on the way by. When Thalia was trying to get started using Crowdfunding, I was an early adopter. Back then you needed both hands to depress the lever. I'm glad they were responsive to customer feedback and fixed that along with making pad changes easier. If you have enough money to buy Thalia capos, you should get one for each guitar, then you won't need to change the pads to match various guitars plus you can get capos with inlays to match each guitar...

[@richardrussell500]

Excellent video... :-)

[@bighes100]

Good range of different capo's, Amazon has one for only £10 that has micro adjustment knob i think I'll try that one. Reviews are great.