capo

Capo is a term with several meanings in English, originating from the Italian word meaning “head” or “chief.” Its uses span music, organized crime, and geographic or linguistic contexts, among others.

In music, a capo (short for capotasto) is a device placed on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the vibrating length of the strings, thereby raising the pitch. It allows players to change key while preserving familiar fingerings. Capos are common on guitars but are also used on banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. They come in clamp-on, lever, and screw varieties and are typically positioned on or near a fret. The device can influence tone and sustain.

In organized crime, capo (short for caporegime) denotes a high-ranking member who commands a crew within a crime family. A capo reports to higher leadership and oversees operations, enforcement, and revenue collection in a given territory. The phrase capo di tutti capi, meaning “boss of bosses,” is a recognizable but variably used label in popular culture; its historical accuracy varies by organization.

Other uses include the Italian meaning of capo as a geographic term for a cape or headland, and its appearance in place names. Capo can also be a surname or given name in various cultures.

Etymology traces Capo to Latin caput, meaning head, via Italian. The term’s meanings thus range from a physical device on a musical instrument to a position of authority within a hierarchical organization, as well as broader linguistic and geographic senses.