7 Best Ukulele Capos 2024

‘Ukulele capo’. If you’ve done that search, you know a million and one options come up. But which ones stand out above the rest, and which ones aren’t worth the time to look over the product description?

This is what we share today with our list of the best ukulele capos you can buy.

D’Addario Tri-Action Ukulele Capo – Best Overall

D’Addario Tri-Action Ukulele Capo (Compare price Amazon, Guitar Center) is a great all-around choice if you are looking for a capo. It is easy to use, provides a beautiful sound, is easy to transport, and is affordable. If you are unsure about what kind of capo you want, this option is a solid option for most ukulele players.

Thanks to the tri-action geometry of the capo, it is easier to open and close this capo than other similarly-shaped options. This capo also evens pressure to the strings of your ukulele thanks to this piece’s micrometer tension adjustment.

As a result, the strings should remain stable, and the ukulele should stay in tune longer than if you use another capo. The even tension should also allow the sound of your ukulele to be clear and even. This capo offers the convenience of a clamp with the gentleness of other capo types.

This capo includes materials such as aluminum. As a result, it is light on the ukulele while still being sturdy and dependable. The small size makes this option very portable and easy to handle. Choose between black or silver for your capo color. A fun added feature to this item is the pick holder integrated into the design.

Paige Clik PC-B5-ETI Ukulele/Banjo Capo – Premium Option

While the higher price may make you shy away, the Paige Clik PC-B5-ETI (Compare price Sweetwater, Amazon) is worth every penny. A lot of the flair of this item comes from the engineering that went into it to provide you with ease of use. Besides ukuleles, this item also works with banjos.

This capo puts a little pressure on each string thanks to its slotted tension bar. As a result, you do not need to tune your ukulele every time you want to use your capo. There is also a fine-tuning tension wheel which helps youtube the precise amount of pressure you want. A quick-release button allows you to move the capo with little fuss. The capo is quite strong, thanks to its steel. 

The Paige Capo company is one of the higher-end companies around for capos. They only have one product for ukuleles. However, they offer several other capos for guitars and other stringed instruments. 

Kala Ukulele Capo – Best Budget Option

The Kala Ukulele Capo (Compare prices at Amazon, Sweetwater) is an ideal budget option coming from a company known for its love of ukuleles. While many items on this list come from companies that know tons about capos, Kala put the ukulele first and created an accessory that works well with ukuleles.

Ukulele Capos, in general, are not very expensive. They usually hover around the $20 to $30 range. Occasionally capo prices may dip close to $10 or up to $70. So, if you want, it is usually not too many more dollars to choose a Mid-range capo.

However, if you are new to playing the ukulele and you do not want to invest more than you need to, there are some solid budget options when it comes to capos for the ukulele.

The Kala Ukulele Capo is a great capo that will not cost too much money. The main difference between this option and the more expensive options is it has a few fewer bells and whistles than some of the other options on this list. This capo is a simple yet durable option that can fit any size of a ukulele. This option comes in a few stylish options, including beechwood, black, and walnut.

It is a clamp-style capo with silicone pads to protect your instrument from wear and tear. While the capo can be a bit tougher to remove and put on if you have weak grip strength, it is generally easy to work with. This capo is also easy to adjust while it is on the guitar. The main drawback to this capo is that it can sometimes cause the strings to go out of tune faster than other types.

Shubb L9 Ukulele Capo GC-20UL

Shubb L9 Ukulele Capo GC-20UL (Compare prices at Sweetwater, Amazon) is a light capo that operates through over-center locking action with a dual lever and spring-loaded thumbscrew tension adjustment system. Shubb products are known for their ability to allow precision tuning and their hand-like shape. The delicate touch of this capo also provides a beautiful tone.   

This item is made from aircraft aluminum and anodized silver, making it a strong option. Despite these powerful materials, this capo should not damage your ukulele, thanks to replaceable pads adorning any areas that come in contact with your instrument.

This lightweight capo is an ideal option for all ukulele types, including baritones, sopranos, tenors, and concerts. It also is a solid option for banjos and mandolins. This capo works well in the most vital ways. It maintains good tension, is highly adjustable, and is easy to remove and put back on. This capo also maintains the tuning of the ukulele better than similar models, thanks to its hand-like design. However, this capo can sometimes cause some buzzing as it wears out.

Donner DC-2 Capo

The Donner DC-2 capo (Compare prices at Amazon) is made from lightweight and aircraft-grade zinc alloy. This option is very sturdy and able to withstand lots of use and age. The lightweight and ergonomic handle makes it easy to move around the capo as you play. Plus, it does not put too much pressure on the strings, leading to a purer tone.

This capo is very versatile, fitting ukuleles, guitars, banjos, and mandolins. Despite the strong metal materials used in the capo, it likely will not damage your instrument due to the presence of protective rubber pads. Those pads also provide support for good string tension, leading to a better tone.

Do not worry if your hand gets tired of capo grips. This item has a steel spring with internal memory, which makes it easier to open and close the capo. As a result, you can move the capo up and down the neck of the ukulele quite easily. The capo keeps pressure evenly distributed over all the strings. This capo is on the more affordable side, making it another good choice for beginners.

Dunlop 7828 Bill Russell Elastic Banjo and Ukulele Capo

The Dunlop 7828 Bill Russell (compare prices on Amazon) is another solid budget option. However, this model lacks some balance and restraint found in other members of this list. This capo is elastic, which means it is very light and portable. Due to its diminutive size, this item will not get as in your way as larger capos do. This capo is an ideal option for beginners. Try this option out to see how you play with a capo, and try out other capos if needed. 

The design makes it very easy to adjust the capo to slide it up and down the neck of the ukulele. While some consumers of this product say it damaged the finish of their instrument, there is a safety mechanism to prevent that. This capo does a good job of striking a good balance in terms of buzz. However, this piece can also move out of place easily.

WINGO Pro Ukulele Capo

The WINGO Pro Ukulele Capo (Compare prices at Amazon) is a lightweight capo made from a metal alloy painted to look like rosewood. It is easy to use this capo with just one hand. When you are not actively using the capo, you can store it on the end of the ukulele. Besides being very aesthetically pleasing, this capo is highly functional.

It holds the strings tightly and evenly so that the ukulele does not go out of tune easily. As a result, you do not need to re-tune the instrument every time you move the capo. The light materials make it easy to move the capo around and change keys easily. Silicone rubber pads also protect your instrument from wear and tear caused by the metal and pressure of the capo.  

What To Look For In A Ukulele Capo

When shopping for a capo, there are many options out there, and they all offer something a little different. Look at variables, such as the type of capo, size, durability, compatibility, and functionality. In some cases, you may need to try several options to find out what variables match up with your exact preferences.

Capo Type

There are several types of ukulele capos, including strap, yolk, spider, spring loaded, partial, side attaches, and full. Each of these varieties offers various pros and cons.

The most common type of capo on the market is the full capo. This variety shortens all the strings on the fingerboard and facilitates playing in a range of keys.

Partial capos do not clamp all of the strings on the fretboard at once. As a result, musicians can play altered tunings. This type of capo can clamp several amounts of strings. Most clamp five outer strings or three inner strings. Less commonly, some partial capos clamp one, two, or four strings.

Since ukuleles are rather small compared to guitars, some considerations you must think about when choosing a guitar capo are not as relevant. However, some priorities are common across all stringed instruments that use capos.

For example, some capos fit best on flat necks versus curved ones. Ukulele necks are usually flat, meaning they do well with flatter capos. However, you should always check the curvature of your ukulele’s neck before putting a capo on it.

Size

Capos come in several shapes and sizes. Some people even use the larger guitar capo on their ukulele. However, a guitar capo on the ukulele can be bulky and can impede your ability to play gracefully. When choosing a ukulele capo, some musicians are fine with a large capo, but most want a smaller option that leaves space for their hand on the neck.

Weight is also a game-changing factor when considering the size of the capo. Ukuleles themselves, even larger varieties like the baritone ukulele, are not very heavy. So, a big heavy capo can easily throw the instrument off balance. Weight may be a slightly smaller issue if you have a strap. Heavier capos are less portable, while smaller capos are easy to lose. Finding a good balance is often the best move.

Price

Capos can range in price significantly. However, most of these tools cost in the $20 to $30 range. Prices of capos depend on several factors, including materials, craftsmanship, brand recognition, and design complexity. Some poorly designed capos can make your instrument go out of tune.

You do not always need to get the most expensive capo to get the best option. There are great capos at all price points. Just ensure the capo you settle on provides the sound and function you want, is durable, and is easy to use. Cheaper capos typically consist of aluminum or plastic. More expensive options may be made of wood or brass.

Durability

Durability is key when it comes to a capo. These tools need to hold a lot of pressure while not damaging your ukulele. To get a durable capo, you must choose one that is well-constructed and made of good materials. Certain types of capos tend to be more durable than others.

Elastic bands and lever capos are some of the least durable capos, though they are convenient and easy to use. C-clamp capos are often some of the most sturdy and reliable types of capos out there. Often the less durable options will also be the cheapest, meaning that you may end up paying the same amount for several flimsier capos as you would for a single expensive one.

Compatibility

Many types of capo can be compatible with a ukulele. However, there can be a few factors making one capo a better fit for a ukulele over another. Different capo types apply varying levels of force to the strings and neck. For example, elastic, spring, and screw clamps all cause various pressure levels. Look at your string gauge and string action.

Pair a spring-loaded capo with light-gauge strings and average actions. Try a capo with more force for heavy strings or strings with a higher action. You may need to experiment with a few different capo types to find the right fit for you.

It is also vital to consider how your capo can impact your ukulele and its tuning. Sometimes, a tight capo can cause your strings to go out of tune. Often the strings that stretch the most go out of tune fastest. So, take special care when applying a capo to bass strings. You may encounter different results when you place your capo on the bass or treble side of the neck.

Functionality

Everyone has different needs regarding what they want from a capo’s functionality. Some want a tool they can quickly shift from fret to fret mid-song, while others want something that will provide even pressure throughout the song. Others want a capo they can easily clip out of the way when they are not using it.

Each type of capo offers functional aspects and some variables that can get in the way of functionality. It is up to you to choose which features of a capo are your priority. For example, a spring capo is easy to take on and off of your ukulele in the middle of a song. However, that type of capo can lose its effectiveness over time and be less adjustable than other types.

Consider your grip strength when looking at capos. If you have trouble gripping things with your hands, a screwable capo may be a better choice than a spring capo. You should also try some different capos to see if they affect your ability to use your left hand. Some capos may obstruct your ability to wrap around the neck with your hand.

Another element of functionality to consider is how easily you can adjust the capo and if you want to adjust it in the first place. Screw clamp capos are easy to adjust compared to other varieties.

Simple clamps or spring capos do not usually offer related to adjustability. Some varieties provide a combination of springs and screws, meaning this option is fast to use while still being adjustable.

Visual

While appearance is arguably the least important aspect to consider when choosing a capo, it is still a variable worth looking at. Capos can look several different ways, thanks to their material.

You can choose between slick steel capos, warm wood capos, and playful prints. While you should not choose a capo based solely on looks, if you are choosing between a few options, appearance may end up being the deciding factor.

Visuals may also come into play if you need a ukulele for a certain aesthetic. For example, if you need to maintain a tropical aesthetic, consider one of the Shubb company capos that have Hawaiian prints on them. Since music is an art, it is okay to think about how visual artistic elements may relate to your more auditory artistic elements. 

Best Ukulele Capo Brands

When shopping for a capo for your ukulele, it is a good idea to understand the brands you are buying from. Some companies that produce capos do so as part of a larger suite of products. Other companies center their business around capos. Here are some brands you should look out for when shopping for capos.

Shubb

The Shubb company produces a range of capos for stringed instruments, including the ukulele. Dave Coontz and Rick Shubb founded the company in 1974 after Shubb wanted to distribute his capo invention aimed at keeping instruments in tune. The capos aim to mimic the shape of a human hand.

Ukulele capos include the lite ukulele capo L9 and the ukulele capo C9b. Both options work for most ukuleles. However, the C9b works better for baritone ukuleles. In addition to ukulele capos, Shubb produces steel string guitar capos, nylon string guitar capos, and banjo capos.

D’Addario

D’Addario was founded in 1973 as a worldwide string and accessory manufacturer. The company has its roots in Italy, where the D’Addario family’s ancestors produced strings for instruments for centuries before emigrating to New York in the early 1900s.

Several companies preceded the current-day D’Addario company. This company has a mission to provide music education to those who may not otherwise be able to access it.

While the company primarily focuses on guitar strings, it offers plenty of accessories for other instruments, including percussion, woodwinds, and other string instruments. The company provides several types of capos for different stringed instruments, including the ukulele. It has a ukulele pro capo and a tri-action ukulele capo.

Paige Capo

Founded in 1988, Paige Capo is a company that focuses on a few carefully calibrated capo products. The founder was Bryan Paige, who designed a new type of capo that would provide accuracy and ease of use. Eventually, he made the company so other musicians could use the product.

In addition to the several ukulele capos offered by this company, there are also options for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, and more. All of the products from this company are on the higher end of the capo world.

The capos from this company include a bar system that is a bit different than other capos. There is also a Paige Music in Indiana that is a different company than Paige Capo.

Kala

Kala Brand Music Company is primarily known for its wide range of ukuleles and accessories. The company was started in 2005 by Mike Upton. He created the company intending to create a ukulele of mid-range quality that could be playable by most people. In 2009 the company produced its U-Bass, a ukulele bass.

This company offers only one capo. It fits any ukulele and is quite inexpensive. Besides the capo and ukuleles, the company also offers strings, straps, books, cases, and other ukulele accessories. Since this company revolves around the ukulele, it uses that knowledge to

Donner

Donner is a musical instrument company that sells guitars, drums, percussion, pianos, keyboards, string instruments, wind instruments, and their associated accessories. The company was founded in 2012, and it currently offers products under the Donner, Moukey, Eastar, and Reditmo brands.

Ukuleles and ukulele accessories are sold under the Donner Brand. This company sells several ukulele capos that are a good option if you are looking for an affordable accessory.  

Kyser

Founded in 1975, the Kyser company started creating its capos almost 50 years ago. It was founded by Milton Kyser after he bought a patent from a friend. In 2012, his niece, Meredith Attebery, took over the business and became company owner and president. 

This company primarily sells capos. The quick-change capos were designed to allow musicians to change keys with only one hand. Since the company’s founding, the Kyser family has made the capos themselves. Now the company offers capos for acoustic guitars, electric guitars, banjos, classical guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles.

Dunlop Manufacturing

Dunlop Manufacturing is a company that makes musical instrument accessories. It also owns some effects pedal brands, including Cry Baby and MXR. Jim Dunlop founded the company in 1965, intending to create a capo that would work for a 12-string guitar. Over time, he added more products to the company’s catalog. 

Dunlop has many types of capos, including those designed for ukuleles. These capos are easy to put on your ukulele and reposition as needed. One of the ukulele capos this company offers is a unique elastic ukulele capo. 

Top Ukulele Capos, Final Thoughts

There is no need to strain your hand when trying to play high notes. Finding the right capo for your ukulele allows you to explore the full range of your instrument. When shopping for the best ukulele capos, it is vital to consider your instrument’s needs, the functionality of the capo, durability, size, and price. Luckily, there are plenty of lovely options out there that can allow you to play higher notes on your ukulele comfortably.