Not all capos are created equally — especially when your instrument is a classical guitar. If the classic model is just the newest addition to your guitar collection, you might try using the capo from your electric or steel-string acoustic guitar. If you have, you know that doesn’t work. The neck on a classical guitar is wider than an average acoustic guitar, so the capo won’t fit right. Using the wrong capo causes an unpleasant buzzing because it doesn’t press down on all the strings evenly; unless you’re intentionally looking to scare away an audience, that’s probably not the sound you’re going for.
In addition to fitting correctly, your capo should also match the kind of strings you have on your guitar. If you use a classical instrument, you need a capo for a nylon string guitar.
Here’s where our recommendations come in (hint: these are great gift ideas). Take a look at the list below to see what capos work for classical nylon string guitars.
Best Classic Guitar Capos
Shubb C2B Original Capo for Classical Guitar
Pros: Some capos change your guitar’s intonation, meaning you have to retune every time you change its position. Not so with the Shubb C2B Capo! This capo uses soft rubber pads that don’t forcefully bend your strings, and the closing action doesn’t pull your strings off-center. The brass capo also looks great! It adds rustic charm to your guitar and can be shined up for a sophisticated gold appearance. And, with a simple, no-frills design, the device won’t get in the way of your playing.
Cons: Weighing in at 1.44 ounces, this capo is heavier than some alternatives. Additionally, it can only be used on guitars with a flat fretboard, which means you most likely won’t be able to use this device on electric and steel-string guitars.
GUITARX X Capo
Pros: The guitarx capo boasts a quick-change design and intonation that stays in tune on every fret. It can work on a wide range of instruments, from electric guitars to ukuleles and mandolins.
Cons: Though this capo does work for some models, it is not specifically for classical guitars.
NS Artist Classical Capo by D’Addario
Pros: If you couldn’t tell from the name, this capo is specifically designed for classical guitars. It also comes with an integrated pick holder, so you never lose yours again!
Cons: The design is slightly more cumbersome than some other options. Thus, playing around the capo may be more difficult.
G7th Newport Classical Guitar Capo
Pros: This capo is ideal for artists who want to switch the position of their capo mid-song. The spring-loaded clamp makes moving the capo quick and easy. Also, the clamp’s pivot point is located behind your guitar’s neck, so it doesn’t get in your way as you play. As a bonus, the minimal, silver design is just as sleek and streamlined as moving the device feels.
Cons: This baby is definitely a splurge, and you should get a flawless product for this amount of money. Before buying, check the reviews on Sweetwater or Amazon. Some said the capo worked flawlessly. But some users reported difficulty getting the capo to clamp down on all their strings, and others said the pressure damaged their guitar by taking the finish off or denting — yikes!
Our Pick: Shubb L2 Lite Capo for Classical Guitar
Pros: This Shubb design takes the top spot as our pick for the best capo for a classic guitar. It has all the benefits of a Shub C2 original (the first capo we reviewed), but it’s about half the weight. And although designed for classical guitars, it also fits most other electric and acoustic guitars. Light-weight, versatile, and stylish — what’s not to love?!
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