Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Discuss the Guitar lesson: All About Capos

https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/all-about-capos-guitar

Did you know that capos were actually invented by the Vikings in the late 10th century? That’s not true, actually. Let’s find out the truth.

Does anyone know the differences between the different adjustable tension capos? For instance, what’s the practical difference between a $30 Paige a $75 Shubb and a $230 Elliott? Tone? Lower profile? Durability? Even within Elliott, what’s the functional difference between the Integrity, McKinney, and Push Button saddles? Jake at the General Store did a super helpful comparison video on different types of picks. Would be cool if there was one for these kind of capos too.

Difference in price is both quality of materials and craftsmanship, as well as demand and production methods. Performance is definitely noticeable between the $30 option and the others. Yes, the Elliott performs better than the $75.

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I’m brand new to the guitar. Going through the lessons in order. Excellent lesson here and the cabin camp lesson with Caleb was awesome. If I learn the finger style version of Amazing Grace, in the key of C, then want to play it with my brother who plays it in A would moving the capo 9 frets be feasible? Or should I scratch it and shift strings?

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I would be more inclined to ask him to capo 3, or learn it in G or A. That being said, if capoing way up works for you and the positions/registers sound complimentary to each other, go for it :slightly_smiling_face:

Thanks, Mark. He sings it in A. I actually tried the capo up that high but won’t hardly even clamp on, plus it bends the low E string quite a bit so I think I’ll wait and reserve that for playing by myself :grin:

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I have a version in G (not fingerstyle) that you can capo 2 and play with your brother: https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/amazing-grace-build-a-break-guitar

Keep pickin’!

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