G7th Capo: Hands On Review

When I was first starting to play guitar and needed a capo, I bought pretty much the first capo that I saw was out there. Though it worked for the immediate need, for the long run it was the wrong one. After going through a couple of other types of capos, I finally found the G7th capo. Let’s say, I’m not going back to any of the other capos. There are many reason why this performed way above the other capos that I have tried in the past.

WHY THIS CAPO

WHAT TYPE OF CAPO IS IT?

The G7th capo is a type of capo called a clutch capo which works differently than other types of capos. Here is a list of the other types of capos and how they work.

Spring/Trigger Capos: These capos use a spring or clip for squeezing the strings. The tension is constant until enough resistance is met.
Strap/Toggle Capos: A strap capo squeezes the strings by an elastic strap. There are holes in the strap where you can make adjustments to how tight you want it on the strings. The tension is constant until enough resistance is met.
Screw On Capos: A screw capo uses a knob that you can use to tighten and loosen the amount the capo pushes on the string. The tension is set to a certain amount by how much the screw is tightened.
Clutch Capos: A clutch capo is a unique version that locks in the amount of pressure you squeeze it to. The tension is set to the amount you squeeze only.

TOTAL CONTROL OVER THE TENSION

What sets this capo apart from other capos is how the tensions is set on the strings. The first two types of capos (spring/trigger and strap/toggle) keeps squeezing until enough resistance has been met. This amount of tension is set by the manufacturer and not by you. With the G7th capo you have total control over the tension. Also, once the amount is set the amount is locked in and not constantly squeezing like the other types.

WHY IS CONTROL OVER TENSION IMPORTANT?

Too Little Pressure: If the capo does not push hard enough to the strings, the guitar will start to buzz when played.
Too Much Pressure: There are a couple of reasons why not to put your capo on too tightly. The harder you push down on a string, the note being played goes slightly higher in pitch. With that being said, if you had a capo that was put on too tightly, your guitar will be in tune with itself but be out of tune. If you clamp down too hard on the strings, this can cause bumps on the strings to appear where the string is pushed against the fret. These bumps do not go away and will cause overall intonation problems. Your guitar will be in tune but when you start using your fingers to play, it will be slightly out of tune. At that point, there would be nothing else to do but to change your strings.

HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM A SCREW ON CAPO

Both the Screw On Capo and Clutch Capo work almost the same: they lock in the amount of tension on the strings. The reason why I would choose a Clutch capo over the Screw On capo is the ease of use. With a Screw On Capo, you will need to turn the knob many times to take it off. Seems like not a big deal to turn a knob, but when you are playing live, the time it takes to take off the capo is important. To take a G7th capo, just push the release lever. It’s off your guitar just like that.

BENEFITS

EASE OF SETTING THE TENSION

The gears in this capo only go one way. To set the tension, squeeze the capo by small amounts until all of your strings do not buzz when played. If you’re in the middle of playing a song and noticed that you need more tension all you need to do is reach over and squeeze it a little bit more. Nothing easier than that!

CAN I USE IT BOTH ELECTRIC OR ACOUSTIC GUITARS

Another benefit of this tension setting is that you can use it on both acoustic and electric guitars.

Acoustic Guitar: Acoustic guitars require more pressure than electric guitars. A lot of capos will specifically say “made for acoustic guitars” on the package. Pretty much every capo in this post will work for an acoustic guitar. Occasionally, you will get a spring or clip capo that is just way too strong.
Electric Guitar: Electric guitar require a lot less pressure than acoustic guitars. If you have an electric guitar, I would go with capos that specifically say that they are made for electric guitars. A lot of times they are hit or miss. A sure way of getting a capo that works for any guitar you have, especially an electric guitar, is to go with a capo where you can adjust the pressure.

HANDS ON DETAILS

FEEL OF IT

When you hold this capo in your hand, you can tell that it is built very well. From the smooth metal that it is constructed with to the smooth action of the opening and closing action, it is a very nice capo. The G7th capo has a good amount of weight to it compared to other capos, but not too much weight that you can tell whether it is on or not.

DURABILITY

I have had capo for years. The opening and closing mechanism still works just as well as when I first bought it. There are some minor cosmetic scratches on it. Though you will need to get really close to even notice it.

USING IT

Switch While Playing: This is important if the song you are playing requires changing the fret of the capo while you are playing.
Keep It On The Guitar: This is important to some players that plays songs that both use and do not use a capo.
Aesthetics And Clean Looking: A plus is that it does not have any handles that stick out while on the guitar.
One Handed: With a little practice you can put on and take off this capo with only one hand.
Putting It On And Taking It Off Quietly: In some situations, such as doing a live recording or playing at church, you will need to have control over every single noise that is made. Putting a capo on and taking it off can be a messy and noisy process. When you push the release lever, the release of tension can cause the strings to play. If you need to be quiet with your capo, here are a couple of things you can do:

PUTTING IT ON: Open up the capo as wide as possible to clear the strings. At the same time with your other hand, mute the strings by holding them gently down. Do not push down on them hard enough to play a note, just to prevent them from vibrating if they are accidentally hit with the capo. The combination of the two will allow you to put the capo on without a sound.
TAKING IT OFF: First, with one hand mute the strings by holding them gently down (not hard enough to play a note). With the other hand slowly release the pressure of the capo until it is not touching the strings anymore. Now, be careful not to brush the strings with the capo while taking it off of the neck of the guitar. Your hand will still be muting the strings just in case.

WHERE TO GET IT

I’m not endorsed by the company that makes the G7th capo. This is a hands on review of a capo that I use all the time. If you would like to get one of your own check out the Amazon for the current price.

G7th Performance 3 Capo with ART: https://amzn.to/2IeEzrD

Posted by Gregg Gascon

musician, singer/songwriter, & teacher