The Ultimate Guitar Capo - David Youngman

International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion
David Youngman
Ultimate Capo Video
This is my call to all capo companies to make the capo that has it all. For kicks I'm calling it the "David Youngman Capo". This video explains the criteria that I believe the ultimate capo should have. I also take a look at some of the best capos on the market and show some of the best features that meet that criteria.
If any capo company is interested in talking to me about my design ideas please contact me through my website.
davidyoungmanmu...
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Music used in this video:
INTRO: "I Surrender All" by David Youngman (Trust Album)
OUTRO: "Sing We Now of Christmas/ Carol of the Bells" by David Youngman (Christmas Album)
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[@g7thnick]

Thanks David for a very thoughtful and interesting review. I look forward to talking some more.

[@Saltee]

you sound like such a nice guy

[@dutchi15]

Thanks David for great informative video. It’ll help me to decide which ones to try. Bob

[@stevepethel6843]

Beautiful playing... I surrender all...

[@Fotosaurus56]

Ultimately, you just may end up with a nice collection of capos....

[@DavidYoungman]

Haha! true

[@weslennewuthrich3716]

Just like guitars

[@alexbatman4407]

Man with the music in background and you talking about capos i almost started crying :)))

[@paulsmart5199]

I've used capos of Many styles from elastic to screw adjustment and prices from a few dollars to over $150. Out of all I've tried, my preference for live playing or for quick changes is my G7th performance Celtic. If I'm not in a hurry to change or it's staying in one position then it has to be my G7th heritage. My loyalty goes to G7th for well made capos that work. The other huge factor for my loyalty to G7th is their customer service and warranty. I had an issue with my G7th Newport for my 12 string. I emailed them in England (I'm in Canada) explained and sent pictures and within two weeks I had a new capo in time for a big gig. Their customer service is exceptional.

[@DavidYoungman]

Hi Paul, thanks for the comment. I'm with you on G7th having really great products and customer service. Nick Campling of G7th has a pursuit of first being a good person which then lends to him providing great customer service as well as seeking to make the best capos he can.

[@gwallahs5308]

"I'm in a band" "Oh cool, what instrument" "Oh no, I'm the capo"

[@shubhamsaxena1681]

😂🙌

[@maxwellfan55]

For me the ultimate capo is non-clunky, tunes accurately every time, no loss of tone, can be clipped to the headstock, quick to use, adjust and remove. The Shubb is the only one I found that comes near it, but there is a marginal loss of tone.

[@alann5003]

Have you tried a Paige? If so, how does it compare to the Shubb?

[@maxwellfan55]

@@alann5003 Hi. Yes, I have tried (and owned) most of the capos discussed on the video. They seem to fit into 3 categories, with variations. The Paige type, the Kyser type and the Shubb. I don't like the Paige because I find it fiddly/time consuming to adjust and establish just the right pressure so strings don't lose tuning. What I most dislike is having to store it just behind the nut where it wobbles about, is obtrusive and gets in the way of my thumb. It's feels big and clunky. I know Tony Rice (also banjo players) used this type but I don't like it AT ALL. The Shubb is the best by far, it's super-slim, refined and finely adjustable. Also not over-priced for the product quality. An absolute winning, simple solution. I use capos literally all the time and need accurate, quick, easily adjustable action. I have one clipped to every guitar I own and it's the closest to getting it right.

[@alann5003]

@@maxwellfan55 Thank you so much! I like my Shubb but was thinking about buying a cradle capo. I guess I'll keep using it until I can try one out for myself before maybe buying one.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@alann5003 That's the thing. You have to try them out. I did, and never used the Paige. I used Shubb for banjo too, it's so slim around the neck, never gets in the way. Can even play them reversed on the 5th fret which you can't do with the cradle types.

[@sparks1656]

On my G&L Legacy, my G7th ART easily fits clamped for storage just behind the nut under the strings. I haven’t had opportunity to try it that way yet with my acoustics, but something for others to check and verify. I saw a review where someone commented that such storage with this capo adds to headstock drop (balance); if that should be problematic for anyone. All the best!

[@johnnysundby2940]

Great info!! Thanks

[@lordofthemound3890]

I’ve used a dual-action D’Addario for years. I place it upside down on the neck though: the hinge is on the treble side. I don’t like anything on my thumb side. Angled closer to the fret on the bass side, it’s perfect every time: no buzz yet doesn’t pull the treble strings sharp. And, doesn’t get in the way if placed/angled so.

[@michaelkrailo5725]

Now they have the tri-action D’Addario capo that every seems to like. I just bought one.

[@jimmymahone5420]

Bravo, sir! Glad I got an Elliott back when I was employed, couldn't afford one now. Sending it back to Elliott after many years for "refurbishing."

[@kevlavis8736]

"I want someone to design and manufacure a capo to my wishes, and I want my name on it". You don't want much! My advice would be to hire a design engineer to make you a custom one based on the ones you already have. Capo Manufacturers will be concerned about R&D costs, ROI (Return On Investment), DFM (Design For Manufacture, not every design can be mass produced), patent issues (you can't just nick patented designs from one capo and put in another), patent lawyers (To stop other capo makers nicking your design), tooling costs etc. Either way, thanks for the video and good luck!

[@bullmoosemember4659]

It was wildly pretentious😂

[@wrightwrjr]

Good video, but you should not store any capo on the headstock.

[@DavidYoungman]

why is that?

[@wrightwrjr]

@@DavidYoungman It affects tone. The entire guitar vibrates when playing. Don't believe me, I learned it from Tony Rice. You'll NEVER see him with as capo on the headstock, he says never store a capo or even a tuner on the headstock.

[@sixxcatt3550]

The David Youngman Capo. So everyone will have no idea who it's named after. Great idea.

[@johncummins6655]

Well, people wouldn't know a Phil Keaggy or Danny Kirwan Capo either. It's quality not popularity that determines guitar playing.

[@kimsachan]

thanks !

[@soundknight]

Would love to hear more in depth comparisson between all the u shapes capos

[@DavidYoungman]

Hey Brian. Let me know if you have any specific questions. For the U style caps, the original Paige capo is great if you don't want to spend much. Otherwise the G7th u style capo is definitely recommended. It auto-forms to your fretboard and the knob has a better feel.

[@Darltornjacket]

Good video, I have a huge collection of capos and am always trying new ones. I think you missed speed to change keys on the fly and be as close to still being tuned. This is for Celtic guitar players the big problem. I have for now settled on the NS reflex capo from D’Addario One hand movement and adjustable tension does a very good job on some

[@soundknight]

Your website is down too... What happened?

[@martymcpeak4748]

The best capo I have ever found is a Shubb F1. It's a little expensive $80.00 but it's by far and away the best I've ever owned.

[@MrEmoor]

Great video, David. Since I am relatively new to capos I found this very helpful since I really had no clue about the different aspects and qualities of capos. The two capos I currently have are just some that I walked into the music store and said “I need a capo” and they gave me those. The problem is one is too high (the Kaiser) and I am unable to get more than one finger on the fret right next to it, and the other capo (some Chinese made one that resembles a Dunlop) doesn’t apply even pressure and I have to mess with it to get that evened out across the strings. This will give me some guidance going forward. Thanks.

[@TheologyJ]

Do you have any video at all where you actually demo a capo?

[@richardsimonson2249]

I know this video was two years ago and you might have already but if you haven’t you should check out the G7 performance 3 ART it does all the things you said for around $55 I believe

[@DavidYoungman]

G7th sent me one of these and it is a really nice capo. Adding the ART to their capo is a great addition. I still feel like there is room for improvement (but I'm super picky) but this is certainly one of the best options available. Thanks for the comment.

[@budchestnut9303]

Do you own or have you tried the original third hand capo nad newer designs by Harvey Reid? Harvey has done years of development and thought on partial capos especially. Blessings!

[@matheusmendes536]

guy: capo captions: kpop

[@robwalton7749]

There should be an eighth criterion, comfort when using certain fingering shapes. I find some capos dig into the side of my index finger.

[@soundknight]

The link doesn't work :(

[@tochiromifune419]

Thank you for the video. But why don't you talk about the main problem with capos, that is tuning? Putting a capo on a guitar means you have to retune it and that is a big problem live on stage. Of all the capos you reviewed what is the one that impacts the least on the tuning?

[@DavidYoungman]

Thanks for the comment. Tuning isn't a category because that has to do with my first three criteria - radius, adjustable tension, and even pressure. All three of these are factors in the guitar holding its tuning. Sorry I didn't explain that in the video. So any capo with adjustable tension is going to help a lot. The U-style capos will all be more balanced in pressure so they will be more in tune. Finally having the radius matched to your guitar or having the G7th Heritage capo will allow the radius to conform to the strings. So top pick would be the G7th Heritage for tuning. Hope that helps.

[@johncummins6655]

Could be but I've yet to find a capo that doesn't make the need to retune necessary. I think I have some of those you listed, same prb.

[@BrianCampbell303]

Kaiser is easy to use -- used one for years -- but it clamps so hard that it does force you to retune a lot, which made me gravitate to Shubb.

[@chucksano]

The answer is... stop putting the capo too far behind the fret. If I capo at the 3rd fret, it is at/on or very damn near to the fret itself. Not halfway between 2 and 3. That depresses all strings to the fretboard and screws your tuning. I use Kiesers currently. in a cover band and acoustic show. all different tunings. Works fine after I stopped putting them on wrong

[@lordofthemound3890]

@@chucksanoGood point. If the rubber is hard enough, you can actually clamp it down right on the fret itself, just a tad behind the fret apex. If you do it right all the strings will sound perfect.

[@jasper_north]

Ordered Elliot Elite €175 9:46

[@rennalybui122]

Hi, I have an Alhambra classical guitar, it has a flat neck and nylon strings. Which capo do you think is best for my guitar? Thank you!

[@jordanstoltz2328]

Rannaly... find a capo that's made for classical or wide neck profiles. They're not the standard size capos companies typically offer. You have to ask for them.

[@rennalybui122]

@@jordanstoltz2328 Thank you!

[@Deepjyoti1989]

Hi, Sir Nice video. really awesome. Sir which guitar is that, may I know? It is very beautiful and unique. Thank you sir. Have a nice day. Looks like Jeffery young guitars.

[@DavidYoungman]

Hi, it's made by Bryan Galloup. Thanks.

[@mrcali68]

Glad I found this video. At the end of the day what I really want is a capo that doesn't block my hand from playing chords on the first fret (after the capo of course). Based on that which one do you recomend? Thank you!

[@DavidYoungman]

The G7th Performance capo is really low profile and can apply a nice even pressure. I would recommend it for what you are after

[@mrcali68]

@@DavidYoungman Sorry one other question are you referring the the one with the dial or the one with "ART"?

[@sparks1656]

@@DavidYoungman Saw in media that G7th’s new Performance 3 has notable advertised updates that include quick release and less tuning distortion effect than prior models. Might be worth a vid update comparison on your channel. David, great work with your comparisons. All the best!

[@adityashah5597]

Hey thank you for the video! If you find time, please answer my question. I don't have a lot of options to choose from, it's either the cheap clamp style or D'Addario NS Pro. I see one in your video. Is it good? What do you think about it? How durable is it? Sorry for so many questions, I don't really want to keep buying again and again as it can be quite expensive. Thank you very much! :)

[@DavidYoungman]

For a cheap option, the Paige capos will give a nice even adjustable pressure. Many top musicians use these and love them. I know Bryan Paige and he is a great person who stands behind his products.

[@chiefhalftown]

Not sure how you get the U type capos on the headstock. Also I don't like the bulky types-too much body below the fingerboard gets in my way for certain hand positions.

[@DavidYoungman]

Most companies recommend sliding the U style just past the nut on the headstock side of the nut. This works okay but isn't as quick as a clamp style and also can get in the way depending on how you play. I agree with you Gene that some capos can get too bulky. Thanks for the comment

[@cactustree505]

Do a video of Spider Capos please!

[@bradcollins5078]

What about the elliott and the g7th is like $260

[@2648wgb]

Thanks for the nice review. One thing you don't mention as a criteria is how much the capo obstructs access around the first fret.

[@DavidYoungman]

Good point. You are absolutely right. Thanks

[@LeosMelodies]

Great job, more soon?

[@DavidYoungman]

Thanks. I've been wanting to do one on Guitar Supports

[@johncummins6655]

And how about one on slides, if you haven't.

[@Shepetunka]

Nice collection ... !

[@tecnolover2642]

Nice review but you forgot one important criteria. It needs to maintain its tension setting after being removed! This way when you get the tension set perfect for your neck and strings it stays that way next time its installed. The shubb i know does this.

[@DavidYoungman]

Good thought. One issue with this is that it only works if you neck is the same size all the way through. The other challenge is string tension is higher towards the nut so if you capo on fret 1 the capo needs to be tighter but at the 5th fret it might need to be a little looser. I understand what you mean though as far as being able to put the capo on quickly and not having to dial it in every time like on any of the U-style capos. Thanks for the comment.

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

Shubb is my capo of choice. For me it is the most precise to tighten, so you’re not putting the capo on too tight. The pressure is consistent, unlike many of the other brands - especially the clamp-on only capos, which I do not like. I have a G 7th and it just doesn’t work as well for me as the Shubb. It’s a Shubb or nothing for me!!

[@kevlavis8736]

What is it about the G7th that doesn't work for you?

[@martymcpeak4748]

The Shubb F1 is perfect.

[@Rowen170]

Not once did he talk, mention,look,pick up are anything the one and only capo I was interested in that he had laying on the table. It just sat there. smh

[@baileywhanau]

Trello board is not publicly accessible

[@alansmyth2204]

I love capos use them a lot get some great sounds my kaiser does it all never let me down does all I need

[@stefanfreeman2006]

@Alan Smyth the Kyser are good but they pull strings sharp in most cases because of the death grip it has. if you get an adjustable one it makes the tone way better and is less likely to cause damage just some food for thought when and if you buy another capo. 👍

[@a.k.9425]

Who makes the longest or widest capo? Its an 8 string 2 3/16" at nut

[@DavidYoungman]

hmmm. Not sure. You could try looking at classical guitar capos

[@BrianCampbell303]

Actually, try it in a quiet room, but storing a capo on a headstock can dull the brightness of the instrument. It's subtle, but noticeable in a quiet room. Also, of course, having a deer antler hanging off your headstock (I'm thinking Kaiser especially) ain't so pretty to see, for photographs, etc. (Sometimes I don't care about these things, sometimes I do)

[@imaxdigital7052]

...Did you just say that having a capo on your headstock audibly changes the tonality of the instrument? lol.

[@johnivey7199]

@@imaxdigital7052 It's possible it could affect the vibration of the wood overall?

[@jeffgoins8633]

Elliott Capos are the best!

[@blackprince4074]

Hi! there is it me or what but the nut on your nice looking guitar seems to be at an angle! is it the camera lens??????

[@DavidYoungman]

It's called a fan fret. It's as it looks. The nut is angled one way and the bridge/saddle is angled the other way. So the bass string is longer than the treble string. It allows for more string tension on the bass string when tuning it down so it doesn't get as floppy.

[@eltouristoduo]

thanks for truly great video!, trying to choose just one is a pain, will be long journey I guess. I thought tonal comparison wasn't needed, way too much into the margins of 'sensory data noise' and 'other subtle factors besides capo'. I mean I could never tell from a video of someone playing, maybe a robot playing with everything locked down to reduce other factors, lol. I really don't think hardly anyone could ever tell a difference on recording or in audience, and if they could, I don't think they would have a preference, because if exists, and it's even detectable, it's that small. I'm not saying I know you can't tell on an acoustic you are playing, Idk. But it's gotta be really small difference. I'd like to see you be put to blind test playing two different ones you think are affecting tone, that are both applying similar tension, to all strings, lol. Not mocking you, I think it would be fun lol.

[@DavidYoungman]

thanks for the comment. Yeah, tonal differences are subtle but can be noticeable. It mainly has to do with the muting effect. Some capos just mute the sound a bit more than others. I'm actually a little intrigued by the blindfold test idea, haha. Maybe I'll try it some time.

[@ajlmirrormist]

The G7th was great but unfortunately lost tension within months... was considering a Thalia until I saw it next to all of the others in this demo... it's a bit of a tank that can put a bit of a dent in your bank account. (though it's a plus that these capos can be customised). Now if they could slim it down I might consider it. For the moment simple seems best so I'll stick with my shubb. The manufacturers of the U clamps are just taking the piss on price. (G7th Heritage and the $200 Elliot capo)

[@DavidYoungman]

Thanks for the comment. Shubb capos are great. That was my go-to capo for a while. The tension adjustment is great and it will form to your strings for no buzzing on most guitars. The G7th Heritage has that radius adjusting technology going for it and is probably the main reason it's so expensive. It's really nice having everything sit nicely across all the strings evenly and it does it with more firmness than the Shubb so the tone is a bit more clear and "sustainy". I would agree that it does seem priced pretty high. The Elliot capos I think cost so much because it's a small operation. They are certainly high quality but probably not worth it for most people. Best wishes

[@ajlmirrormist]

@@DavidYoungman Thanks for the reply...I didn't expect one...excellent review by the way...regards

[@leskopeter593]

Bruh the g7 heritage is 180 euros! That's almost half of the price of my guitar itself😳

[@afz5355]

Okay so I’ve bought this capo from some Chinese company and I have no idea how to use it and there’s no tutorial for it either. Can anyone help me with it?

[@DavidYoungman]

Sure. You'll have to send me something so I know what it is

[@goswo]

Really nice :-)

[@DavidYoungman]

Thanks

[@kirbystrong168]

It also helps if you have money to spend on it and not everyone has the cash to pay for it

[@DavidYoungman]

I know this can be a frustration. Your comment is a good reminder to me of when I couldn't afford any of this stuff and felt like I'd never be able to afford it. This frustration can be good though as it can force you to be inventive which is a necessary skill to being a successful musician. It seems never ending though the things I wish I could have or afford. I guess we need to be thankful for what we have right now and keep working towards the things we feel would be beneficial to us. Be patient and keep working Kirby. Blessings to you!

[@kuyajhe9073]

why need to "pisit" effect to your mouth

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

Kind of ridiculous how much you have spent on capos. No capo should ever cost $200 and if it does you should not buy it. I'd like to try the G7 ultralight and if it works well my capo search is done. A basic Dunlop trigger capo gets the job done for me and I don't really understand your need for a perfect capo and don't think it would be worth the cost if anyone made it. I don't mean to be a troll, good luck to you on future videos but this one wasn't particularly helpful. I think you have spent more on capos than I have spent on the guitars I currently own.

[@DavidYoungman]

Joel, thanks for your honest comment. You are right, for most people it's pretty ridiculous the amount of effort put into things like this. My only response would be that to achieve excellence you have to do the things that no one else is willing to do. It's not necessarily about competition but it's about doing YOUR very best. You have to choose what you will settle with and also choose what you will go the extra mile for. For me, seeking this ultimate capo is not about just having a great capo for the sake of a great capo. It's having a tool that allows me to be more creatively free, more in the moment with my music. Not distracted or interrupted by limitations in my tools. This doesn't just go for tools like a capo but also things like your practice. If you want to achieve excellence in your playing you have to invent, invest, and do the unthinkable things to give you that edge that makes your music YOU. Most are unwilling to go this far but for me this is how I stay engaged with life. This is what has given me the successes I've had. Best wishes to you

[@jacknelson5891]

I hate how the Kyser sticks out, so ugly.

[@jacknelson5891]

I just said I don’t like the way it sticks out and I think it’s ugly. Jesus Christ, someone is angry

[@jacknelson5891]

JOSEF BORG alright chief. I misinterpreted your comment because I can’t hear your voice. Peace ✌️

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

I agree - Kyser is cheap looking and oversized. Plus there is no ability to adjust the pressure!!!

[@sheasweeney9630]

Thalia pretty much has all of that

[@DavidYoungman]

My biggest complaint with the Thalia capos is the inability to adjust the pressure. I think their spring tension is too high.

[@bradcollins5078]

To test the capo u need to try and test tuning. Talking wont cut it

[@evelinabrighty9340]

Check out the Shubb capo kzbin.info?search_query=schubb+capo

[@madcat5965]

the Thalia looks like a stapler. G7th Heritage and Elliott look the best

[@motioved7666]

you should have showed how each when is used on a guitar...

[@rubenj5269]

thanks for saving me 7 minutes

[@johnivey7199]

Of course the next hurdle is all of the best features but for a 12 string...

[@saulurena7681]

Christ, the price on some of these is ridiculous. Were they peed on by R Kelly or something?

[@olliepriv1424]

The long fingernails kinda creep me out a bit.

[@rickpaul4216]

While beautiful, the Thalia capo has shortcomings which made me send mine back. Contrary to your video, it cannot be stored on the headstock. You also didn’t compare the size. The Thalia is so bulky that there were some chords that I could not play.

[@BrianCampbell303]

It depends on the thickness of the headstock. My Taylor headstock is too thin to store it easily -- I have to pinch it over the tuning knob, not such a great idea. But on a classical-jazz crossover guitar I have, it fits well. Its bulkiness is a definite downside.

[@henbentoify]

How the hell can a capo affect your tone. The strings are all fretted before they reach it. Is this guy trying to create problems that don’t exist.

[@johnivey7199]

First, not all strings are fretted in each chord. Also, the "why to" physics aside, capos just can do that sometimes.

[@boazrepetur1415]

Hear, hear!

[@madcat5965]

ehhh.... the entire point of a capo is the freedom of open strings in different keys.