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Last updated: 28 Apr 2021
The Best Capos For Steel Strings
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Capos are great for playing typical first position type chords further up the guitar's neck which then makes the chords sound in different keys. By placing the capo up the neck it allows you to play, say, a G chord at the fifth fret, which changes the key to C. Capos come in different styles, from clamp-on to flip the lever and tighten in place and more. Everyone has their own preference, but musicians everywhere agree that capos are an essential part of music-making. Two important factors: Make sure the capo covers the fretboard radius on your guitar properly and make sure you don't clamp or tighten so much that your guitar goes out of tune. Here are the best capos for steel strings in 2021.
Best Capo for Steel Strings
1
Kyser Quick-Change Capo
– Best Choice
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THE SCOOP
The Kyser Quick Change capo is an industry standard. The capo is built to last and affordable.
Key Features
- The Kyser Quick-Change is designed to clip on easily and firmly, providing great contact with your fretboard for creating the kind of unique voicings you want up and down the neck.
- Beginners and seasoned players alike can easily unclip and reposition the Kyser Quick-Change with one hand, making performances at home or out live as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
- Spring-loaded design allows for quick and easy repositioning. Padded arms prevent damage to your fingerboard. Durable, light metal construction looks great and is long-lasting.
2
Kyser Quick-Change Patriotic Capo
– Capo for all Americans
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THE SCOOP
Don the red, white, and blue on your guitar at all times with the Kyser Quick Change American Flag Capo. Kyser supports our veterans with each sale of this capo.
Key Features
- Kyser Musical Products is putting its money where its mouth is. All profits from the Kyser Guitars for Vets Quick-change capo will be donated to Guitars for Vets (G4V), a nonprofit organization that provides complimentary guitars and lessons to US military vets who suffer from PTSD and physical injuries.
- The G4V Quick-change capo is made with the same high-strength, lightweight extruded aluminum as other Quick-change capos, but features a waving American flag graphic on the handle. It’s given to graduates of the G4V music therapy program (over 2,500 guitars and 25,000 lessons have been given to veterans so far).
- Extruded aluminum is hand cut and drilled, powder coated, and carefully assembled in the USAAppealing waving American flag graphic looks great on the crisp white background.
3
Shubb C1 Standard Capo
– Premium Pick
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THE SCOOP
The Shubb C1 Standard Capo is another industry standard. It’s a steal when it comes to value, with prices starting at $15.55.
Key Features
- The Shubb C1 Standard capo won’t mess with your tuning or intonation, allowing for fast attachment between songs with no break in your musical flow. This capo’s patented over-center locking action ensures smooth operation and unrivaled ease of use.
- Its soft rubber pad works like a fingertip, while its closing action is engineered like your hand, so the capo doesn’t pull your guitar’s strings off center — no retuning necessary. Its innovative roller design ensures smooth action and reduced wear for long-term reliability.
- Shubb’s C1 model fits most steel-string acoustic and electric guitars.
4
Dunlop 83CN Trigger Capo
– Scratch-Free
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THE SCOOP
Made from sturdy aircraft aluminum, you can guarantee that the Dunlop 83CN Trigger capo won’t fail on you. Plus, the price is like music to your ears.
Key Features
- The Jim Dunlop 83CN Trigger acoustic capo provides positive, accurate clamping for curved fingerboards. Made to provide scratch-free performance for your guitar, the low-profile 83CN is designed to stay clear of your fingers.
- This unit is constructed of quality aircraft aluminum for reliability and light weight.
- Features:Designed for positive, accurate clamping. Aircraft aluminum constructionLow-profile design. Made for curved acoustic fretboards.
5
D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo
– Buzz-Free
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THE SCOOP
One of the best capo steel string options is the D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo. It delivers beautiful sound at an affordable price.
Key Features
- This lightweight aluminum Ned Steinberger design features Tri-Action geometry that’s easy on your hands and provides quick and effortless operation.
- It even has an integrated pick holder.
- With micrometer tension adjustment and direct horizontal pressure, the Tri-Action effectively eliminates lateral string pull (and the need for frequent retunings), giving you even tension across all your strings regardless of your guitar’s neck profile.
6
G7th Performance Capo
– Advanced Features
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THE SCOOP
If style is important to you, the G7th Performance Capo is the one for you. It is the best capo steel string for those looking to rock out their way, as it’s available in three different colors.
Key Features
- With G7th’s patented Adaptive Radius Technology, the Performance 3 ART capo actually adapts to the unique radius of your guitar, eliminating the two most common issues that arise with capos: fret buzz from too-little tension and strings that are bent sharp from too much tension.
- This beautiful hand-polished steel capo features an easy squeeze-to-release mechanism that lets you slide it up and down the neck quickly. Innovative technology.
- The Adaptive Radius Technology (A.R.T.) of the Performance 3 is really quite simple and ingenious. Located in the top bar behind the string pad, this technology allows the string pad to adjust to each string individually once you place it in position. The thicker, lower strings require slightly more tension, while the thinner higher strings require less. With A.R.T., the string pad “senses” this difference and applies pressure accordingly for a more even, customized fretting.
7
Paige Clik Guitar Capo
– Quick to Move
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THE SCOOP
With the Paige Clik Guitar Capo, all you need is one hand to take your strumming action to the next level. It’s made the list of the best capo steel string thanks to its maximum user-friendliness.
Key Features
- Paige collected years of award-winning artist feedback and came up with an innovative design with a direct-center-tension design that eliminates string buzz by pulling from the center rather than the side.
- The Clik gives you easy, one-hand adjustment, an advanced quick-release mechanism, and can be parked behind the nut when it’s off-duty.
- Finish-safe tubing protects all contact points on your precious guitar.
8
Shubb S1 Deluxe Capo
– Classic Pick
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THE SCOOP
The Shubb S1 Deluxe Capo is simple but reliable. You can count on it to deliver when you need it to most, making it one of the best capo steel string options.
Key Features
- Solid stainless steel capo provides outstanding contact with your fingerboardShubb’s patented closing action provides ideal pressure each and every time, keeping annoying ringing and buzzing at bay.
- Soft rubber pad works like fingertips, fretting the strings with an even pressure Quickly and easily moves up and down the neck…
- The S1 uses a soft rubber pad that works much like your fingertip, fretting the strings on your fingerboard with an even pressure that won’t pull your strings out of tune. The closing action is even and firm but doesn’t smash the strings too hard.
10
G7th Newport Silver Capo for Steel Strings
– Fine-Tuning
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THE SCOOP
This G7th Newport capo works like a charm and won’t cause you any troubles. It’s shocking accuracy will help you play like a pro.
Key Features
- Specifically designed for 6-string acoustic guitars. Lightweight and low-profile.
- Fine-tune adjustment to dial in the perfect tensionReduces tuning instability and loss of sustain.
- Striking silver color.
Best Capos For Steel Strings Buying Guides
Caps are made of one of two materials: hardwood or softwood. A hard wood capo is ideal for playing steel instruments. These capos have a high degree of tension and give you a fuller sound. Because of their durability, they can last for decades.
Softwood capos are much less durable than hardwoods. However, because they’re softer, they also give a richer sound, which is perfect for jazz and blues. Acoustic nylon strings sound like nylon. Unlike the nylon used to make nylon string instruments, acoustic nylon is softer. That means it doesn‘t damage your instrument when you‖re playing over the loud, busy streets of New York City. Whereas nylon and acoustic wood are both available in solid wood, nylon acoustic capos tend to be more decorative in appearance.
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Capo Buying Tips
If you are going to be stringing this instrument lightly, make sure the capo is made of steel. Many musicians prefer the light weight of stainless steel because of how it conducts and vibrates the strings. If you plan on string this small, it is best to have the stainless-steel cap in mind when you order your strings so you don’t have to pay for a string that doesn‘t sound right.
A flat cap is the best option for the strings. It means the flat side of the string is perpendicular to the fretboard and perpendicular the rest of your fingers. Flat cap strings are usually the least expensive. One way to increase the intonation of a flat-cap capo is to position the nut and saddle in a location that is slightly above the frets. This will help the saddle stay in place when playing overtones that are higher than the normal intons.
Another option is a Gibson-style bridge, which has a solid centerplate over the bridge and neck. The center of this plate is flush with the top of each string, so when the bar is depressed, the fingerboard is in tune.
Things to Consider When Buying and Using a Capo
A capo is a lightweight and inexpensive option for tuning your instrument. They work well for beginners, as they don’t take up too much space in a player‘s instrument bag and are relatively inexpensive.
String
Stringing a steel guitar can be a fairly involved process, and you need a quality string that will last you for many years. In addition to the material and gauge, you will need to consider the materials used in the construction and the type of tuning mechanism used. A quality capo will help you with all these aspects.
Material
While you can use any old piece of cardboard for a capos, most people prefer the more modern materials that are made from woven polyester. Polyester is strong, durable, easy to clean, lightweight, flexible, resists abrasion, is stain and mildew resistant, makes a great pick, can play nylon strings, zinc strings (C-string), and silk strings are also available.
Binding
As mentioned, a binding is an important aspect of a pick guard. The pickguard should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of performing and practicing for hours on end. Pick guards made of rubber, latex, or plastic may be more comfortable to play with but are not as durable as a real pick.
Price Range
Inexpensive
For under $15, you can find both capo sets and string sets. These often come with a comfortable carrying case. If you’re looking for a steel-stringed instrument, this is where you need to start.
Mid-Range
From $16 to $20 is the sweet spot for most people. You can get a set of capos or a string set. String sets may come in a range of colors. Capos will be of higher quality.
Expensive
In the $22 to over $40 range are the best of the finest stringed instruments. Most of these come packaged with their own carrying cases. There are plenty of steel strings in this category.
How We Chose Our Selection Of Capos For The Steel Strings
Brand
When it comes to the buying process, there are certain brands that are well-known and have been doing this for ages. Such brands include Aduro, Schacht, Kamado, and many more. Some of such brands have gone on to become household names in the industry. These brands are known for their products which are top quality and durable. There are many other brands who are newer to this market, but have made great advances since the inception of the string industry some 80 years ago. They are more than willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their string has the highest level of quality, consistency, durability, safety, comfort, soundness, etc. When looking for the best capos for your string, you can look out for these brands.
Price
Because of their high-quality and safety-related nature, capoes for string are usually not very expensive. However, the price you pay for a product can be impacted by the materials used to make the product. Plastic string is the most commonly used material for this product because of its affordability. Nylon string and nylon are also popular as they offer a good combination of sound and durability. Other materials such as titanium and ceramic are popular for products that boast sound quality but are not as affordably priced.
Reviews
It is important to keep in mind that the feedback from customers is crucial to consider when making a purchase decision. Feedback from existing customers can either prove that a particular product is worth the money or it can prove it is not worth it. Customers are the ones who have put their trust in a specific product and are ready to tell their story to help other potential buyers make a more informed purchase. This is one of many reasons why reviews are considered as a valuable resource.
Features to Look for in Capos for Steel Strings
Durability
Durable string means string that will not break after a few uses. Durabilty is an important characteristic to look for in string. It can mean a number of things. For example, a string made from thin nylon may not be as durable as the same string used for bulky, durable clothes. Regular nylon strings are generally considered to be durable because they can withstand considerable wear and tear. On the other hand, string with a higher level is considered less durable, as it may break easily and is prone to snapping under pressure.
Sound Quality
The sound produced by a capo string will depend on the quality of materials it uses to construct the strings. Stainless steel strings for example will produce a cleaner, brighter sound, compared to plastic strings which will be a less crisp and clear. To ensure a high level sound output, look to invest in high quality nylon string which features high levels of resistance to breakage.
Safety
Safety is a crucial feature to check when purchasing a cork string for guitar. Because the coke bottle is filled with sand, not water, it cannot be used as an emergency string in case of an accident. The same holds true for nylon. Therefore, when buying a nylon coker, opt for one that features rubber tips to prevent slipping and tangling. A rubber tip will also help prevent the winding of your cap off.
Compatibility
Most capotes for acoustic guitars are compatible with nylon guitars, acoustic steel guitars and acoustic nylon guitar strings, for all string players.
Capo For Steel String FAQ
Q: How thick should a capo be?
A: Your capo's thickness should be dictated by two factors: the weight of the string and the strength of your grip. The weight is determined by the diameter of both ends of steel and its weight rating. Grip strength is measured by your hand‘s ability to hold the capoeira strings.
Q: Are steel strings safe to use?
A: Steel strings are one of those things that you can't just bring out and use when you're in a public place and start training without securing your safety equipment. You can safely use steel steel styles of string because they are designed to protect you from harm. They are also durable, which is what you need if you want to practice regularly. So, if safety is your top priority, you don t want anything less.
