Top Capo Picks: Elite Brands for Every Guitarist

When it comes to enhancing your guitar playing experience, choosing the right capo is essential for achieving the perfect sound and ease of use. In today's market, a plethora of brands offer capos that cater to both beginners and professionals, each promising durability and precision. From the classic Dunlop and Kyser to innovative models from G7th and Shubb, the options are both extensive and varied. To help you navigate this selection and find a capo that suits your needs, explore the top brands outlined below.

Illustration of capo

Best brands of capo in 2025

Kyser

Kyser is renowned as one of the best producers of capos, with over 40 years of experience and a reputation for quality that has earned them the trust of the biggest names in the music industry. More recording artists choose Kyser capos than any other brand, and their products are handmade in Texas, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship. Kyser's capos are known for their durability and precision, backed by a lifetime warranty. The company's commitment to quality is evident in their manufacturing process, where every capo is sourced, manufactured, assembled, and packaged in the USA. This dedication has made Kyser the most recognized capo brand worldwide. For more information, visit their official website.

Shubb

Shubb, founded in 1974 by Rick Shubb and Dave Coontz, is a renowned brand in the capo industry, celebrated for its innovative and high-quality capos designed for various stringed instruments. Known for their precision and durability, Shubb capos have maintained a strong market presence for over 40 years. Since 2016, at least 80% of Shubb's capos are manufactured in China, ensuring efficient production while maintaining quality. The company has introduced several notable models, including the Deluxe capo made of stainless steel and the Capo Noir with a black chrome finish. Shubb has sold millions of capos, with milestones such as selling their two millionth capo in 2004 and their five millionth in 2015. Find more about their offerings on the Strings and Beyond website.

D'Addario

D'Addario, through its Planet Waves division, is renowned for producing high-quality capos that meet the needs of musicians worldwide. The NS Artist Capo and NS Capo Pro, for example, utilize patented tri-action geometry and micrometer tension adjustment to ensure buzz-free, in-tune performance on various guitar types, including 6 and 12-string models. These capos are made from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and minimal weight addition to the instrument. Planet Waves is part of the D'Addario brand, which has a reputation for innovative and reliable musical accessories, contributing significantly to the global capo market growth. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a favorite among guitarists.

G7th

G7th is renowned as one of the best producers of capos, known for its innovative and high-quality products. The company introduced a significant upgrade to capo technology in 2016 with its ART(r) string pad, and its Performance capo range features a patented Unique Tension Control system, ensuring increased tuning stability. G7th's capos are praised for their precision, ergonomic design, and ability to maintain clear tone and sustain on guitars. The brand has received high accolades for its Heritage yoke-style capo, which is lightweight, elegant, and highly functional. G7th's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a favorite among musicians. More details about their offerings are available on the G7th official website.

Dunlop

Dunlop Manufacturing is a leading producer in the capo market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The company has strategically adapted to market changes, including those driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, to maintain its competitive edge. Dunlop's capos are popular among musicians, particularly in the North American market, which is forecasted to occupy a significant share in the global capo market. The company's investments in research and development have contributed to the market's expected CAGR growth from 2020 to 2026. Dunlop's products, along with those of other key players like Shubb Capos and ZIKO, are driving the market's expansion.

Thalia

Thalia Capos is renowned as one of the best producers of capos, offering exceptional design, compatibility, and customization options. These capos, handmade in California by skilled inlay artists, ensure better tuning stability and ease of use, fitting a wide range of instruments including acoustic, electric, 12-string guitars, classical guitars, ukuleles, and mandolins. With interchangeable fretpads and a proprietary Human Touch technology, Thalia Capos maintain even pressure across the strings. Produced in small batches with excellent quality control, these capos come with a lifetime warranty and have been refined over four years and 70 prototypes. They are also highly customizable, with over 30 different exotic wood or shell inlay choices and the option to add a custom name or design. Discover their Mother of Pearl Capo for more information and customization options.

Paige

Paige is renowned as one of the best producers of capos, offering high-quality, precision-made products since 1988. Founded by Bryan Paige, a tool and die maker and musician, the company has gained international success with its innovative designs, such as the Paige Clik ETI, which features a patented bar system and individual, pre-formed radiused pads to maintain tuning and tone. Paige capos are made in the USA, with options available for various instruments including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. The company's commitment to quality and performance has earned it a loyal following among professional musicians, including Glen Duncan, Vince Gill, and James Taylor. Paige capos are known for their durability, ease of use, and ability to maintain guitar resonance without damping.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball is renowned as one of the best producers of capos, particularly with their innovative Axis Capo, which features a dual-radius design compatible with both flat and curved fretboards, ensuring buzz-free performance. This capo allows for fast and accurate single-handed key changes and is protected by precision-molded rubber pads to shield the guitar's finish. Introduced as part of their extensive range of guitar accessories, the Axis Capo is available in eight color finishes and is trusted by musicians for its reliability and performance. Ernie Ball's commitment to quality and innovation has made their products a staple in the music industry since the company's inception in 1962. Their products are distributed in over 120 countries, reflecting their global influence.

Fender

Fender, a renowned brand in the music industry, holds a significant position in the capo market, although it is not as prominently known for capos as it is for guitars and amplifiers. With a 30% market share in the guitar industry, Fender's influence extends broadly, and its entry into accessories like capos is supported by its strong brand reputation and innovative product lines. Fender's capos, though not the primary focus, benefit from the company's 75-year history of innovation and customer trust. The brand's global presence and extensive product range make it a notable player in various musical instrument markets. Fender's commitment to quality and innovation ensures that its capos meet the high standards expected by musicians. To explore more about their products, visit their official website.

Jim Dunlop

Jim Dunlop is a renowned brand in the music industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality guitar capos and other accessories. With over 50 years of experience, Dunlop Manufacturing has established itself as a leader, offering innovative products like the Trigger(r) Capo, which is known for its precision and durability. The Trigger(r) Fly(tm) Capo, for example, is a popular choice among musicians, available in various finishes such as satin chrome, gun metal, and black. Dunlop's commitment to quality and innovation has made its products a staple in the music world, with many musicians relying on their gear for optimal performance. The brand's extensive range of capos caters to both acoustic and electric guitar players.