What Is The Best Capo For Electric Guitar?

The best capo for an electric guitar is a tension setting capo. With a tension setting capo you have control over how much the strings are push down. This is very important for the intonation of the guitar.

WHY TENSION SETTING CAPOS ARE THE WAY TO GO

Tension Setting

There are a few reasons why using a tension setting capo is the best way to go for an electric guitar:

Set the exact amount of pressure to keep your guitar in tune
Will not create bumps because of too much pressure

Non-Tension Setting

Here are the drawbacks to using a capo that is not a tensions setting capo on an electric guitar:

Too much pressure on the strings will make your guitar sound out of tune
Too much pressure can create bumps on the strings where they touch the frets

TYPES OF TENSION SETTING CAPOS

How they achieve the pressing down of the strings is extremely important in selecting a capo for an electric guitar. The following are the two different types of tension setting capos available:

Screw On Capos
Clutch Capos

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.

Did you know that there are 4 different types of capos? If you want an in-depth look at all the different types (pro, cons, etc.), I wrote a post about it here.

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
Stylish look to it

Cons

More expensive than your entry capo
No way to remember the tensions setting

Your Choices For Tensions Setting Capos

Screw On Capos

Planet Waves NS Guitar Capo: https://amzn.to/2PGumbx
Shubb S1 Stainless Steel Guitar Capo: https://amzn.to/32HczGs

Clutch Capos

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

My Recommendation

I have at some point used all of these capos. I need a capo that remembers how tight I set it, easily put on and taken off, and can easily adjust it on the fly. With all this in mind, the Shubb Capo is my recommended go to capo!

Posted by Gregg Gascon

musician, singer/songwriter, & teacher