Banjo 5th String Capo

“I really appreciate the job you did on my Deering Crossfire. As you know, I
found it so uncomfortable to play that it was becoming a wall hanger in my
office. Since you filed the frets along the neck and installed the 5th string
spikes, it's become a very playable instrument, thanks to your efforts.”
-P.F. Ithaca, NY

Please select a link below:


Deering Crossfire: H.O. Railroad Spikes

Why capo a banjo's 5th string?

Five string banjos are typically tuned to open chords. Therefore, banjoists often utilize a capo for playing in some keys. Since the 5th string of a banjo is tuned at the 5th fret a standard fretted stringed instrument capo has no effect upon the 5th string. The 5th string may be tuned sharp in order to achieve the desired effect, however, this will adversly effect the tension of the banjo head requiring retuning of the capoed strings. Also, the 5th string may only be tuned so sharp without the aid of a 5th string capo before the string breaks from the increased tension.

How are 5th strings capoed?

The two most common methods of capoing a 5th string are through the use of a fifth string capo which is mounted on the side of the fretboard and engaged only when necessary and the use of h.o. model railroad spikes. Each method has its own cult following and should be seriously considered before any action is taken as both methods require holes to be drilled in the fretboard.