Guitar Capo: Acoustic Vs Electric

If you are new to guitar, it might be good to know what a capo is in the first place. When you play any note on the guitar with your fingers, you are make the notes go higher in pitch. A capo is a device that clamps down on the guitar strings to raise the notes higher without you having to use your fingers.

Acoustic guitars can work with any capo out there. Electric guitars require ones that are made just for them. Both Acoustic and Electric guitars can work with a certain type of capo. These are capos where you can adjust the tension: the amount that clamps down onto the strings.

Acoustic Guitar:

Acoustic guitars require more pressure to push down the strings than electric guitars. This is because acoustic guitar strings need to be made thicker to project the sound. A lot of capos will specifically say “made for acoustic guitars” on the package. Just be aware that occasionally you will get a spring or clip capo that is just way too strong.

Electric Guitar:

Electric guitars require a lot less pressure than acoustic guitars. This is because electric guitar strings do not need to project the sound: they use an amp to project the sound. If you have an electric guitar, I would go with capos that specifically say they are made for electric guitars OR capos where you can adjust the pressure.

There are many different styles of capos out there. I took all of the capos and grouped them based on how they press down on the strings. The 4 different types of capos are:

Let’s first see how each group of capo works with each type of guitar:

Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of each type. I have written a post about the 4 different types of capos going into a lot more detail. Check it out here!!! But for now, I’ll just briefly go over each type.

SPRING/TRIGGER CAPOS

These capos use a spring or clip for squeezing the strings. These are the most popular of all the capos because they are inexpensive and easy to use.

PROS

Easy to put on and take off

Use with just one hand Inexpensive

CONS

Amount of pressure it clamps down on the strings is unknown – depends on how tight the manufacturer set the springs or clip.

SUGGESTED CAPO

Kyser Quick-Change Capo for 6-string acoustic guitars: https://amzn.to/32OB98n

Kyser Quick-Change Capo for electric guitars: https://amzn.to/2uLmsX4

ANALYSIS

As you can see from the chart above, spring/trigger capos typically are not made for electric guitars. You will need to get one specifically made from electric guitar. And even then, the tension may be too much. Just make sure you are able to return it.

STRAP/TOGGLE CAPOS

A strap capo is a capo that holds on to the guitar by an elastic strap. There are holes in the strap where you can make adjustments to how tight you want it on the strings.

PROS

Very inexpensive

CONS

Takes two hands to put it on. The elastic wears out over time. The amount of pressure the capo squeezes the strings varies. The amount depends on the “current” elasticity of the strap and which hole the strap is being stretched to.

SUGGESTED CAPO

Dunlop 14F Professional Toggle Capo: https://amzn.to/32GyRrM

Dunlop 7191 Bill Russell Elastic Heavy Capo: https://amzn.to/2TgQyLF

ANALYSIS

Strap/Toggle Capos can go on either acoustic or electric guitars. They are not the easiest to use compared to the other types of capos because they require two hands to put them on.

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.

PROS

Inexpensive

Adjustable tension on the strings

CONS

Takes two hands to put it on Unscrewing the knob to take it off is not the easiest/smoothest process. Especially when you have to loosen the screw enough to clear the strings.

SUGGESTED CAPO

Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo: https://amzn.to/32HczGs

Planet Waves NS Guitar Capo: https://amzn.to/2PGumbx

ANALYSIS

Screw On Capos can go on either acoustic or electric guitars. The Shubb capo is easier to use because it uses a lever to release rather than the screw itself.

CLUTCH CAPOS

These are unique in that instead of constantly applying pressure like a spring, this locks in the amount of pressure you squeeze it to.

PROS

Adjustable tension on the strings

Use with just one hand

CONS

More expensive than your entry capo

SUGGESTED CAPO

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

ANALYSIS

Clutch Capos can go on either acoustic or electric guitars because you can set the tension.

My suggestion is to go with a capo that works for all of your needs, whether you play acoustic or electric guitar. The “go to” capos that I would choose would be either the Shubb S1 Capo or the G7th Performance 3 Capo. These are great capos that will be able to be use on any guitar. For my needs, the Shubb capo slightly out edges the G7th capo because you can have a preset tension. You can trust that the capo will be at the right tension when you put it on.