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10 Best 12 String Capos 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Thalia Guitar Capo for Acoustic and Electric - Exotic Series with Universal Human Touch Fret Pads - Premium Capo for Acoustic Guitar 6 and 12 String, Electric & Classical - Black Chrome - Whiskey Wing

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,293
Material
Tension Adjustment
Padding

Most important from
56 reviews

Material
Combines elegant exotic wood inlays with durable black chrome for a premium and sturdy design.
Tension Adjustment
Delivers exceptional tuning stability with a soft, finger-like touch that protects the fretboard.
Padding
Delivers exceptional tuning stability with a soft, finger-like touch that protects the fretboard.
Ease of Use
Switches effortlessly between 6-string and 12-string guitars, making it highly versatile for various stringed instruments.
Size and Fit
Compact and comfortable size fits easily on different neck profiles without hassle.

The Thalia Guitar Capo stands out for its superior tuning stability, achieved through precision engineering and patented Human Touch Technology that mimics the softness of a finger, helping to keep your guitar in tune without damaging the fretboard. Its versatile design includes two different fret pads, making it suitable for both 6-string and 12-string guitars, as well as other stringed instruments like banjos and ukuleles.

Made from black chrome with exotic wood inlays, it offers a premium look and durable feel, weighing a moderate 6.7 ounces. The tension adjustment is well-balanced, contributing to its ease of use and consistent pressure on the strings, which is crucial for preventing buzzing and maintaining pitch. Its compact size (3.5 x 1.6 x 3.5 inches) fits comfortably on various necks.

This capo is crafted for quality and comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty. User reviews average around 4.1 stars, suggesting occasional variability in performance or user preference. It is ideal for players looking for a combination of elegant design and reliable function, especially if you need a capo that can easily switch between 6 and 12-string guitars without fuss.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,293
Material
Tension Adjustment
Padding

Most important from
56 reviews

Material
Combines elegant exotic wood inlays with durable black chrome for a premium and sturdy design.
Tension Adjustment
Delivers exceptional tuning stability with a soft, finger-like touch that protects the fretboard.
Padding
Delivers exceptional tuning stability with a soft, finger-like touch that protects the fretboard.
Ease of Use
Switches effortlessly between 6-string and 12-string guitars, making it highly versatile for various stringed instruments.
Size and Fit
Compact and comfortable size fits easily on different neck profiles without hassle.
#2

D'Addario Guitar Capo for Acoustic and Electric Guitar - Pro Capo - Adjustable Tension - Guitar Accessories - Works for 6 String and 12 String Guitars - Black

Rating
10.0
Material
Ease of Use

Most important from
1538 reviews

Material
The silver aluminum D'Addario NS Capo is incredibly durable, unlike the black thermoplastic version which tends to break easily.
Ease of Use
This capo is the best I've ever had; it's super easy to use and allows quick transitions between frets without moving your body or guitar.

The D'Addario NS Capo is a solid choice for guitarists looking for a reliable capo for their 6-string or 12-string guitars. One of its standout features is the micrometer tension adjustment, which allows users to fine-tune the pressure on the strings. This means you'll achieve a buzz-free sound no matter where you place it on the fretboard, which is especially beneficial for those who play in various tunings or styles. The adjustable tension combined with its strong, aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity.

Ease of use is another strong point; the capo is designed for quick adjustments with a single hand. This feature is ideal for performers who need to switch keys on the fly during a performance. The lightweight nature of the capo (only 0.3 grams) means it won't weigh down your guitar or affect your playing.

While the capo is versatile, fitting both acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards, it may struggle with very thick necks or unusually shaped instruments. Additionally, some users might find that the adjustment screw, while effective, can be a bit tricky to set up initially if they're not accustomed to using a micrometer system.

Rating
10.0
Material
Ease of Use

Most important from
1538 reviews

Material
The silver aluminum D'Addario NS Capo is incredibly durable, unlike the black thermoplastic version which tends to break easily.
Ease of Use
This capo is the best I've ever had; it's super easy to use and allows quick transitions between frets without moving your body or guitar.
#3

C3B Shubb 12-string Guitar Capo and Elixir 12-String Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings with NANOWEB Coating, Brass

Rating
9.9
Material
Tension Adjustment
Ease of Use

Most important from
333 reviews

Material
The capo is exceptionally well built and consistently performs flawlessly.
Tension Adjustment
The clamp strength is robust, holding strings firmly while remaining easy to operate.
Ease of Use
The clamp strength is robust, holding strings firmly while remaining easy to operate.
Size and Fit
Designed specifically for 12-string guitars, it fits perfectly and applies even pressure without causing string buzzing.

The Shubb C3B 12-string guitar capo is designed specifically for 12-string acoustic guitars, making it a solid choice for players looking to change keys quickly without retuning. It features a brass body with phosphor bronze strings included, which helps provide a durable and pleasant tone. The patented roller ball closure system allows smooth and precise tension adjustment, so you can lock the capo firmly in place without damaging your strings.

This "set it and forget it" pressure system makes it easy to use, even for beginners. The padding on the capo is gentle enough to protect your guitar's neck while maintaining consistent sound quality. Size-wise, it fits most 12-string acoustics well, ensuring even pressure across all strings. Additionally, the included Elixir strings come with NANOWEB coating for longer life and anti-rust plating, which adds value if you want to refresh your strings alongside the capo.

The brass material, while sturdy and attractive, may add a bit of weight compared to lighter capos, which some players might notice during extended playing sessions. The capo includes premium strings and advanced tension features, reflecting a higher level of quality and functionality compared to basic models. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use capo tailored for 12-string guitars and appreciate the added benefit of quality strings, this combo is a worthwhile option.

Rating
9.9
Material
Tension Adjustment
Ease of Use

Most important from
333 reviews

Material
The capo is exceptionally well built and consistently performs flawlessly.
Tension Adjustment
The clamp strength is robust, holding strings firmly while remaining easy to operate.
Ease of Use
The clamp strength is robust, holding strings firmly while remaining easy to operate.
Size and Fit
Designed specifically for 12-string guitars, it fits perfectly and applies even pressure without causing string buzzing.

Buying Guide for the Best 12 String Capos

Choosing the right capo for your 12-string guitar can significantly enhance your playing experience. A capo is a device that clamps down across the guitar's fingerboard at a particular fret, allowing you to change the pitch of the strings and play in different keys without changing your finger positioning. When selecting a capo for a 12-string guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it fits well and performs effectively. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to choose the best one for your needs.
MaterialThe material of the capo affects its durability, weight, and how it interacts with your guitar strings. Common materials include metal, plastic, and rubber. Metal capos are generally more durable and provide a firm grip, but they can be heavier. Plastic capos are lighter and less expensive but may not last as long. Rubber is often used for the part that contacts the strings to prevent damage. Choose a material that balances durability and weight according to your playing style and frequency of use.
Tension AdjustmentTension adjustment refers to how tightly the capo clamps down on the strings. This is crucial for a 12-string guitar because it has more strings and requires even pressure to avoid buzzing or muting. Some capos have a spring mechanism with fixed tension, while others allow you to adjust the tension manually. Adjustable tension capos are generally better for 12-string guitars as they let you fine-tune the pressure to suit your instrument. If you play different guitars or frequently change tunings, an adjustable tension capo is a versatile choice.
PaddingPadding is the part of the capo that comes into direct contact with the strings and the back of the neck. Good padding ensures that the capo doesn't damage your guitar and provides even pressure across all strings. Look for capos with soft, durable padding materials like silicone or rubber. The padding should be thick enough to protect the strings but not so thick that it affects the capo's grip. If you have a high-end guitar, investing in a capo with high-quality padding is essential to prevent any potential damage.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how quickly and easily you can attach, adjust, and remove the capo. Some capos have a quick-release mechanism, while others require more effort to position correctly. For live performances or frequent key changes, a capo that can be easily operated with one hand is ideal. Consider how often you'll need to move the capo and choose one that fits your playing style. If you often switch between songs or keys, a quick-release capo can save you time and hassle.
Size and FitThe size and fit of the capo are crucial for ensuring it works well with your 12-string guitar. A capo that is too small may not cover all the strings properly, while one that is too large can be cumbersome and affect your playing. Look for capos specifically designed for 12-string guitars, as they are typically wider and provide the necessary coverage. Ensure the capo fits snugly without being too tight, as this can affect the tuning and intonation of your guitar. Trying out different sizes and shapes can help you find the perfect fit for your instrument.

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