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A capo is a device that clamps onto the neck of a guitar to alter the pitch of the strings without changing the tuning. It can be used on both acoustic and electric guitars, but the two types of guitars require different types of capos. Acoustic guitars have a rounder neck and higher string tension, requiring a capo that can complement these features. Electric guitars, on the other hand, have a shorter circumference and require less pressure to press the strings, so their capos are designed accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General distinction | Acoustic guitars have a flatter fretboard radius than electric guitars. |
| Capos for curved fretboards | Electric guitars |
| Capos for flat fretboards | Classical guitars |
| Fretboard shape | Cambered/curved, flat |
| Capo type | Spring-only capo with no tension adjustment, thumbwheel-adjusting capos, spring-loaded capo, c-clamp capo |
| Brands | Shubb, D'Addario, Dunlop, Ernie Ball, Kaiser, Paige |
| Weight | 45g, 63g, 99.8g |
| Material | Stainless steel shaft, aluminium knob, lightweight aluminium, aircraft aluminium |
| Suitable for | 6-string, 7-string, 12-string acoustic or electric guitars |
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What You'll Learn
Flat vs curved fretboards
While there is no strict distinction between "acoustic" and "electric" guitar capos, the fretboard radius of a guitar varies and this impacts capo compatibility. Acoustic guitars tend to have flatter fretboards than electric guitars, but this is not always the case. Therefore, a capo designed for a 12" radius will not fully depress the strings of a guitar with a 9" radius and will require retuning.
To accommodate the different preferences and requirements of guitarists, some manufacturers have introduced compound radius fretboards. These boards have a more curved radius at lower frets to facilitate chording and a flatter radius at higher frets to make lead work easier. This design aims to provide the benefits of both curved and flat fretboards.
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Adjustable tension
Some capos, such as the popular trigger capo, use a spring-loaded clamp to hold their tension. While these capos are cheap, easy to use, and can be repositioned with one hand, they often have non-adjustable tension. This can lead to tuning issues, as the capo may not apply even pressure to all strings, causing some strings to sound out of tune.
Other capos, such as screw capos, feature adjustable mechanisms that allow you to fine-tune the pressure against the strings. This type of capo gives you more control over the tension and can help eliminate tuning issues. However, they may require two hands to operate and can be more expensive than spring-loaded capos.
Some companies, such as D'Addario, have combined the spring-type capo with a fine-tune screw adjustment to create a quick-change, highly adjustable capo. This type of capo offers the convenience of a spring-loaded capo with the precision of a screw capo.
When choosing a capo, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you have multiple guitars with different neck thicknesses, adjustable tension may be a crucial feature for you. On the other hand, if you are a performing musician who needs to make quick changes during a performance, a non-adjustable spring-loaded capo may be more suitable. Ultimately, the best capo for you will depend on your individual requirements and playing style.
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Different guitar types
There are three main types of guitar: acoustic, electric, and bass. However, there are important variations within these groups that some people classify as different types of guitars entirely.
Acoustic guitars are ideal for beginners and singer-songwriters who want something to strum and/or fingerpick. They have hollow bodies that amplify the sound of the strings and are usually made of wood, with six strings. Some acoustics have steel strings, which are ideal for folk, rock, blues, and country. Others have nylon strings, which are better for classical and flamenco guitar. Dreadnoughts and Jumbos have larger bodies that give off a big, booming sound, while Parlour and Auditorium guitars have a quieter and more articulate tone.
Electric guitars, on the other hand, may have solid or hollow bodies and require external amplification to be heard. They use pickups (humbuckers, single coil, etc.) and a cable to connect to an amplifier's input. Electric guitars come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are ideal for players looking to play big, distortion-heavy solos.
Bass guitars typically have four thicker strings and produce a lower pitch. They can be acoustic or electric.
Other types of guitars include the semi-acoustic, which has a solid body and produces very little sound unless plugged into an amplifier. The flamenco guitar is another variation, with a thinner top wood, less bracing, and nylon strings, producing a grittier and more percussive sound. Classical guitars, with their nylon strings, are the precursors of the modern acoustic and electric guitars.
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Capo application
A capo is a device used to raise the pitch of a guitar's strings, allowing for easy key changes without having to manually adjust your fingers further up the fretboard. It is derived from the Italian words "capo", meaning "head", and "tasto", meaning "tie" or "fret". While there is no strict distinction between acoustic and electric guitar capos, the fretboard radius of the guitar may affect the capo you should use. Acoustic guitars tend to have flatter fretboards than electric guitars, so a capo designed for a 12" radius may need extra pressure to work on a 9" radius guitar, and vice versa.
When applying a capo, the first step is to choose the target fret. This is usually indicated at the start of the song's tablature or sheet music. Once you know which fret to target, gently affix the capo just behind it, positioning it as close to the middle of the fret as possible. Tighten the capo securely, ensuring that it is straight and tight enough to stay in place if accidentally knocked. Test each string to make sure they are clear and not buzzing, and adjust the capo as needed.
There are various types of capos available, including strap, trigger, scissor-style, and clamp-on models. Basic and inexpensive capos typically come in a "strap" style, with hook notches to adjust the tension. Trigger models are easy to move around the board, while scissor-style and clamp-on models offer secure affixing mechanisms. Some capos offer adjustable tension, allowing for greater flexibility in accommodating different fretboard radiuses.
It is worth noting that while most capos are designed to fit universally, certain guitars may require specific capo designs. For example, a 12-string acoustic or electric guitar will need a capo with higher tension to effectively clamp down the extra set of strings. Classical guitars, with their flat fretboards, also require a specific capo design. Additionally, some capos are designed for particular string configurations, such as the six-string or seven-string acoustic or electric guitar.
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Brand and material
When it comes to brands and materials, there are a variety of capo options available for both acoustic and electric guitars. While some capos are designed specifically for a particular type of guitar, most brands offer capos that are suitable for both acoustic and electric guitars.
For example, the D'Addario line of C-Clamp capos is popular and requires manually turning a screw to adjust the pressure on the guitar strings. D'Addario also offers the Tri-Action capo, which has variable tension via an adjustable spring, allowing for light to medium pressure. Another popular option is the Shubb S1, a stainless steel capo with adjustable tuning that fits most acoustics and electrics, as well as some classical and 12-string guitars.
If you're looking for a quick-release spring-clamp capo, the G7th is made of aircraft-grade aluminium and suitable for 6-string acoustics or electrics. Ernie Ball's Axis capo is also a popular choice for electric guitar players due to its easy, one-handed operation. Dunlop's Trigger capo is considered an industry standard, and its competitor, the Ernie Ball Axis model, offers advantages in price and flexibility.
For those on a budget, options such as the D'Addario, Kyser, or Dellwing can be good choices for a variety of guitars. Additionally, Dunlop offers inexpensive lever and elastic band capos that are suitable for beginners. If you're looking for a classical guitar capo, it's important to note that classical guitars typically have wider necks, so a standard capo may not fit properly.
Different guitars have different neck thicknesses, so it's important to select a capo that can be adjusted to apply the right amount of pressure on the strings. The Paige Capo, for instance, is known for its thinness, giving your fingers more room for chords. The dual-action capo by Planet Waves also allows for tension adjustment to match your guitar's needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a capo on both acoustic and electric guitars. Capos are designed to be used on a range of guitar types, including classical, acoustic, and electric.
The main difference is in the tension required. Acoustic guitars generally require more tension due to their higher string tension and flatter fretboard radius. Electric guitar capos are typically smaller and have less tension, as electric guitars have a truss rod inside the neck to support the strings.
Not necessarily. Some capos are designed specifically for either acoustic or electric guitars, but many capos on the market are suitable for both. It is important to consider the radius of your guitar's fretboard and the tension required when choosing a capo.
Capos allow you to play open chords in different keys without having to retune your guitar. They are especially useful for beginners who may struggle with certain chords, and they can also be used creatively to explore alternate tunings.
While capos are a useful tool, they should not be left on the guitar when you are not playing. This is because they can create additional tension, particularly on acoustic guitars, which can lead to neck warping over time.
