Do all capos work for all guitars? Will my "universal" capo work with my classical guitar? Do we even need a list of best classical guitar capos? These are great questions, and the answer is, "it depends." Classical guitars are the same instrument as an acoustic guitar. Both instruments are "guitars" and so they both have six strings, they both have frets etc. However, there are three differences in the make and design of classical guitars that affect the choice of the right capo. Here they are. First, the classical guitars have a flat fretboard whereas acoustic guitars have a rounded fretboard, if only slightly. Standard capos are rounded to match the shape of an acoustic guitar's fretboard. Second, classical guitars tend to have wider fretboards and thicker necks than acoustic guitars. Some capos may not go the whole way across the fretboard of a classical guitar. Third, classical guitars tend to have lighter string tension than acoustic guitars. Regular capos may have too much tension for the lighter strings of the classical, and thus cause intonation issues.
So. With this in mind, we recommend that if you are a serious classical guitar player you get yourself a capo designed with a classical guitar in mind. Many capos advertise as usable on "acoustic, electric, classical and ukulele." The fact is that these "universal" capos will in fact work, most of the time. Some may not even get all six strings, being too short. Many will have buzzing, due to the curvature of the capo. Most will cause intonation issues. The Kyser Acoustic Guitar Capo, for example, will definitely work. It will get across the strings and clamp down without buzzing, but it will certainly cause intonation problems - you will need to retune every time you use it.
We have complied a list of the six best classical guitar capos to help you with your choice. Here's our list.
The Kyser Quick-Change Classical Guitar Capo
The Shubb Classical Guitar Capo
The Cejilla
D'Addario NS Artist Classical
Wingo Wide Guitar Capo
MOREYES Classical Guitar Capo
Sondery Guitar Capo
1. The Kyser Quick-Change Classical Guitar Capo
Get your Kyser Quick-Change Classical Capo Here
Milton Kyser invested the quick-change style capo in 1985, and his design was an instant success. Largely, unchanged from the original prototype, these capos are industry standards. If you don't know about these great capos check out our review of the Kyser Acoustic Guitar Capo. They are well made, easy to use and highly recommended. Today they are one of the most recognizable capo brands.
Their classical guitar capo is very similar to their acoustic guitar capo. You can tell Kyser care about the details, because they do not list their flagship acoustic capo as appropriate for classical guitars. The classical guitar capo is flat to match the fretboard and they have reduced the tension to match the tension of nylon strings. This is the best quick-change capo you can get for the classical guitar.
2. The Shubb Classical Guitar Capo
Get your Shubb Classical Guitar Capo Here
The Shubb capo is beautifully designed. While it does not come on and off as quick as the Kyser, it has the ability to adjust the tension which is wonderful. The adjustable screw allows you to set the capo at the right height so the capo fits just right for your guitar. We find getting the setting right no problem and this minimizes intonation problems superbly. It usually requires two hands to get it on and off. As the Shubb goes on it reaches a middle point where the tension is the highest, and then sort of thuds into place. This moment really does fell magic, and is the reason many people choose a Shubb. You can check out our full review of the S1 here. There are a few things to read about for the Shubb.
The Shubb have taken their basic design and created a wonderful classical guitar capo. This will be the choice for many people who want to record, or care about intonation issues. The S2 is their 'flagship' classical capo and is made out of stainless steel. They also carry a full range of other colors and metals, including the C2, their nickel product.
3. The Cejilla
Get Your Cejilla Here
The Cejilla is the traditional Spanish capo, used by Flamenco players. As Flamenco guitar is used to accompany the singing, guitars early on felt the need to change their key quickly and developed this clever design. It is made of wood and has felt on the bottom that covers the strings. The capo has a guitar tuning pegs stuck right there in the middle. The peg is used to tighten a nylon guitar string that is wrapped around the neck of the guitar to hold the capo on. So, this capo has adjustable tension, like the Shubb. Flamenco is a living tradition of music and this design of capo has been used for over a hundred years. It is still the choice of many Flamenco players, partly for the traditional value, but also because it is a great design. We covered the history of this capo extensively in our article The History of the Capo: Part Two.
You can purchase a handcrafted wooden one today.
4. D'Addario NS Artist Classical
Get Your NS Artist Classical Guitar Capo Here
We love the design of the D'Addario NS Tri-Action capo, and their Classical guitar version is no disappointment. This capo seeks to combine the quick-action of a spring based capo with a tension adjustable screw. And the thing works. The adjustable tension is great, and like the Shubb, you only need to set it once. This capo is easy to use and a great choice.
5. Wingo Wide Guitar Capo
Get Your Wingo Wide Guitar Capo Here
This Capo is a unique take! It is a C-Clamp style that goes on the side of the neck and tightens down. There is an adjustable tension nut that closes the capo. It feels like you are screwing it on. What makes this capo interesting is that there are two sides - two rubber arms. One is 61mm and flat for the classical guitar and the other is a little shorter (57mm) for the acoustic guitar. If you really feel you want one capo that does both acoustic and classical guitar well, this is a great option.
We find the screw on mechanism a little cumbersome, but the capo does a great job of staying on, and we appreciate the acknowledgement that classical guitars have different capo needs.
6. MOREYES Classical Guitar Capo
Get Your Moreyes Classical Guitar Capo Here
Moreyes have produced a quick-change capo designed for the classical guitar. If you are looking for a classical guitar capo on a shoe-string budget, this is a great choice. The make isn't as high quality as other ones, but it will do the job. The tension is set for the nylon strings and the bar is flat - just the way we need it.
7. Sondery Guitar Capo
Get Your Sondery Classical Guitar Capo Here
Another budget choice. Sondery have designed a great little capo that comes a great little price. A quick style that will come on and off quickly. Again, the make is a little cheap than some other models, but this will do the job well!
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