What Does a Capo Do on Guitar?
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A capo is a clamp that presses all the strings of a guitar down at one fret, acting as a movable nut. It shortens the sounding length of every string at once, so the open strings sound at a higher pitch. The guitar then plays in a higher key while the player uses the same hand positions.
How a capo changes the pitch
A capo clamps across all the strings at one fret and presses them against the fretboard, taking the place of the nut. Every string then sounds from the capo instead of from the nut, which shortens the part of each string that vibrates. Shorter strings sound at a higher pitch, so the guitar plays in a higher key. The capo changes the pitch of the open strings only; fretted notes keep their normal relationship to the open strings.
Place the capo just behind the fret
Open the capo and set it across the neck just behind the fret where you want the new nut to sit, with the pad pressing all the strings evenly. Close it so it grips the neck firmly and the strings sit flat against the fret. Pluck each string and listen for a clean note. If a string buzzes or sounds muted, open the capo and set it again, keeping it close to the fret and square across the neck.
Move the capo to change the key
Slide the capo toward the body of the guitar to raise the pitch further, or back toward the headstock to lower it. Each fret you move changes the key by the same step, so you can match the key of the music without changing how you play. A spring capo opens and closes with one hand, so you can move it during a pause in a performance.
Take the capo off to return to standard tuning
Open the capo and lift it off the neck when you no longer need it. The strings return to their normal sounding length, and the guitar is back in standard tuning, E A D G B E. Put the capo aside so it does not press on the strings or the neck while the guitar is stored.
What you need
WINGO Guitar Capo for Acoustic and Electric
A quick-release capo for steel-string acoustic and electric guitar, with an aluminum alloy body, a silicone pad, and five picks in the box.
Kyser Quick-Change Guitar Capo for 6-string acoustic
A one-handed Quick-Change capo in aluminum with a steel spring, made in the USA, that parks on the headstock when not in use.
WOGOD Capo Guitar Capo for Acoustic Electric Guitar
A two-pack of capos, one rosewood and one black, with a silicone pad, a steel spring, and a pick holder that holds more than four picks.
- Pick holder
Martin Guitar Capo
A one-handed capo that applies even pressure across all strings and adjusts to most neck profiles, finished in matte black.
These come from our ranked list Best Capo for Guitar, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Does a capo change how the guitar is tuned?
No. A capo does not change the tuning of the strings. It shortens the part of each string that sounds, so the open strings ring at a higher pitch while the guitar stays in standard tuning.
Can a capo damage the guitar neck?
A capo presses on the strings and the neck, so a capo with a soft pad and even pressure is kinder to the instrument. Remove the capo when you finish playing instead of leaving it clamped on the neck.
Does a capo work on electric guitars?
Yes. A capo clamps across the strings of an electric guitar the same way it does on an acoustic guitar, raising the pitch of the open strings. Choose a capo made for the width of the neck you play.
Ranked capos lists
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