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10 Best 12 String Capos 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

G7th Heritage Series, Guitar Capo (71113) Silver, Wide

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,191
Material
Tension Adjustment
Padding

Most important from
64 reviews

Material
Durable materials and a silicone rubber pad protect the guitar neck from scratches while maintaining solid string contact.
Tension Adjustment
Offers a firm yet balanced tension that grips strings securely without causing damage or tuning issues.
Padding
Provides reliable tuning stability even on 12-string guitars with paired octave strings, thanks to its adaptive radius string pad.
Ease of Use
Effortlessly glides along the fretboard, making it easy to reposition without ever needing to remove it from the guitar neck.
Size and Fit
Perfectly suited for wider neck guitars, including classical and 12-string models, where it fits comfortably and functions flawlessly.

The G7th Heritage Series Wide capo is designed with a traditional yoke style that makes it easy to store on your guitar between songs. Its standout feature is the adaptive radius technology string pad, which adjusts to match the curve of your guitar’s neck, helping keep your strings in tune no matter where you place the capo. This is especially useful for guitars with wider necks, like many 12-string guitars or those with a nut width of 46mm or more.

The capo uses a combination of metal, silicone, rubber, and nylon materials to provide good durability and protect your guitar’s neck from scratches, thanks to a special silicone rubber pad that prevents metal-to-wood contact. Tension adjustment is handled by the yoke design, which applies pressure evenly from the center of the neck, giving solid string grip without damaging the strings. Because it’s made for wider necks, it might feel a bit bulky on smaller guitars or those with narrow necks.

Some users might find the tension a bit firm at first, requiring a little force to open and place the capo, but this ensures it stays put during playing. This capo is a strong choice for wider or 12-string guitars, offering reliable performance without compromising tuning stability or causing damage to the instrument.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,191
Material
Tension Adjustment
Padding

Most important from
64 reviews

Material
Durable materials and a silicone rubber pad protect the guitar neck from scratches while maintaining solid string contact.
Tension Adjustment
Offers a firm yet balanced tension that grips strings securely without causing damage or tuning issues.
Padding
Provides reliable tuning stability even on 12-string guitars with paired octave strings, thanks to its adaptive radius string pad.
Ease of Use
Effortlessly glides along the fretboard, making it easy to reposition without ever needing to remove it from the guitar neck.
Size and Fit
Perfectly suited for wider neck guitars, including classical and 12-string models, where it fits comfortably and functions flawlessly.
#2

G7th Heritage Guitar Capo with Art Wide String Spacing, Style 1 No Engraving (G7HTGG1W)

Rating
9.7
Material
Tension Adjustment
Padding

Most important from
64 reviews

Material
The lightweight yet sturdy construction feels reliable and comfortable during extended play.
Tension Adjustment
Its adaptive pressure perfectly accommodates paired octave strings, ensuring flawless intonation on 12-string guitars.
Padding
This capo protects the guitar neck while holding down strings firmly without causing tuning issues or buzzing.
Ease of Use
Switching keys becomes effortless with a capo that glides smoothly and never feels like a mechanical clamp.
Size and Fit
It works beautifully on wider neck guitars and is especially suited for 12-string players seeking precision and ease.

The G7th Heritage Guitar Capo with Wide String Spacing is designed especially for guitars with wider necks, making it a good fit for 12-string players or those with a nut width over 46mm. Its traditional yoke style is low profile, allowing it to be comfortably stored behind the nut when not in use. One of its standout features is the adaptive radius technology in the silicone string pad, which adjusts to the curve of your guitar’s neck. This helps maintain tuning stability by evenly pressing down all the strings without causing buzz or tuning issues.

The capo also uses inert silicone rubber to protect your guitar’s neck from metal contact, reducing the risk of scratches or damage. Made from durable materials like stainless steel and nylon, it feels sturdy yet lightweight (about 1.9 ounces), which adds to ease of use. The tension mechanism is carefully designed to apply the right pressure—firm enough to hold strings down, but not so tight as to affect playability or tuning negatively.

It is mainly intended for wider neck guitars; it may not fit or work as well on standard or narrower necks. This capo is well suited for 12-string guitarists or anyone needing a wide-fit capo that offers reliable tuning stability and neck protection without complicated adjustments.

Rating
9.7
Material
Tension Adjustment
Padding

Most important from
64 reviews

Material
The lightweight yet sturdy construction feels reliable and comfortable during extended play.
Tension Adjustment
Its adaptive pressure perfectly accommodates paired octave strings, ensuring flawless intonation on 12-string guitars.
Padding
This capo protects the guitar neck while holding down strings firmly without causing tuning issues or buzzing.
Ease of Use
Switching keys becomes effortless with a capo that glides smoothly and never feels like a mechanical clamp.
Size and Fit
It works beautifully on wider neck guitars and is especially suited for 12-string players seeking precision and ease.
#3

G7th Newport Guitar Capo, 12 Steel String - 60mm Low-Profile - Acoustic & Electric Guitars - Easy to Use Flip Lever - Compensated String Pad

Rating
8.8
Tension Adjustment
Ease of Use
Size and Fit

Most important from
1324 reviews

Tension Adjustment
An ingenious design that compensates for changes in neck radius, providing consistent performance across the fretboard.
Ease of Use
The low-profile, tapered design doesn't inhibit the fretting hand, making it ideal for extensive use during long sets.
Size and Fit
Notches effectively cover high octave strings on the low E and A, eliminating buzzing and ensuring clear sound.

The G7th Newport Guitar Capo (C32013) is specifically tailored for 12-string acoustic guitars. Made from silver, this capo is designed to fit snugly behind the fret, ensuring a secure grip without excessive tension that could damage the guitar. One of its standout features is the longer arm, which is ideal for the wider fingerboards found on 12-string guitars. This ensures that all strings are pressed down evenly, resulting in clear and consistent sound quality.

The capo's tension can be easily adjusted, which allows for precise control to avoid buzzing or muting of the strings. Additionally, the padding on the capo helps to protect the guitar's neck from scratches or wear over time. At 2.08 ounces, it is lightweight and won't significantly add to the guitar's weight, making it convenient for both practice and performance.

However, it is important to note that some users have mentioned difficulty in quickly navigating the capo during live performances due to its design. While the majority of users appreciate its secure fit and ease of use, a few have found the adjustment mechanism to be a bit fiddly compared to other capos. The G7th Newport Guitar Capo is a solid choice for 12-string guitar players looking for a capo that offers both enhanced performance and protection for their instrument.

Rating
8.8
Tension Adjustment
Ease of Use
Size and Fit

Most important from
1324 reviews

Tension Adjustment
An ingenious design that compensates for changes in neck radius, providing consistent performance across the fretboard.
Ease of Use
The low-profile, tapered design doesn't inhibit the fretting hand, making it ideal for extensive use during long sets.
Size and Fit
Notches effectively cover high octave strings on the low E and A, eliminating buzzing and ensuring clear sound.

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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