- Guitar capos have two major components: the mounting mechanism and the fret-pressure device. The mounting mechanism can vary from a vice to a lock and key to a rope tie. Vice mounts are similar to any other vice: You place the capo over the fret and twist the vice until enough pressure is forced onto the fret and creates the change in pitch. The lock-and-key apparatus is a plastic rod placed into a hook. The rope tie is simply a piece of thin rope or string, and is tied into a knot taut enough to create the needed pressure. The fret-pressure device is made of rubber or metal, and is formed into a shape of a rectangular bar that covers the fret.
- While capos can be made from rubber, plastic or metal, rubber capos have proven to be the most effective and durable. Metal and plastic capos can be somewhat effective as well, but they can break strings more often than rubber capos. Capos can vary in price, so be sure you have a budget in mind before making a purchase. While it is generally true that, the more expensive the capo, the better the quality, you do not need to purchase the most expensive capo. The best capos are the vice-mounting mechanisms, which typically cost around $10 U.S.
- Always use caution when using a capo. You can cbreak strings or wear them down quickly if too much pressure is exerted. Do not tune strings while the capo is on the guitar; this is certain to break the strings. When placing the capo on a fret, it is recommended that you not go any higher than the 7th fret. Some capos cannot fit around the neck of the guitar past this point, and the frets are too small for the pressure required to change the pitch.
- The capo allows you to change pitch or key quickly and easily (as opposed to tuning the individual strings). Another benefit of the capo is that it makes playing certain chords easier (most commonly bar chords); it also prevents the hand cramps that can be caused by odd chord/hand placements.
- Some manufacturers have began to develop mechanical capos, which can cover several frets; you can create specific pressure on certain frets with the push of a button. Some capos have even harnessed the power of computer technology: A computerized device determines the perfect amount of pressure to apply to a fret. There are also built-in pitching tuners.
- Many guitarists claim that capos should be placed on a specific area of the fret. Some prefer to place the capo in the middle of the fret, while others believe it should be closer to the fret bar. The correct answer is down to the individual guitar. Every guitar is unique, and on some, capos may create a twangy sound. The only solution is to test out every possible combination of capos and areas of placement on the frets.
