BANJO 5TH STRING CAPO FULL

Next are some tips on types of capos and tuning when using a capo. Using the capo will create tuning havoc if you let it. I played electric guitar in a band for awhile and I tuned once or twice a night. I will admit I wish I never had to use one. However, capoing to the 2nd fret and playing as if you were in the key of D (in G tuning) can sometimes produce the sound you want.Īgain, producing the sound you want should be the priority and a determining factor in capo use, not ego on how smart you are for not using one.

When playing in the key of E, I normally don’t use a capo but tune my fifth string to high B or F#. When playing songs in the keys of G, C, D, or F at any tempo, I recommend playing out of open G. In other types of songs in these keys, it could be appropriate and preferable not to use a capo, depending on the sound or feel you desire, but, generally speaking, in bluegrass you would use one. When playing up-tempo traditional style bluegrass in the keys of A, Bb, and B, I recommend using a capo. Let me cut to it and give you some practical advice for when and when not to use a capo, along with some practical advice on studying their use and playing in other keys. This holds true for the right reason “it sounds better” and even supersedes having the technical knowledge and ability to play every note of a song in Bb, for instance, without a capo. That is why, in many instances for the best sound for bluegrass songs in keys other than G, it is best to use a capo. In most cases, the more open strings we have to work with the better. One of the things we should consider when determining whether to use a capo or not is open strings. Playing in C without a capo, I think, is a preferable technique in most cases as well. I recommend playing in the key of D without a capo, it has a great tone and many uses.

I do not recommend using the capo above the fifth fret because it’s like cutting the neck in half. For those of you who are new to this, I made a little chart to help you at the bottom of the page. By using the capo, we are able to play everything we know in open G tuning by simply placing the capo on another fret, we change the key. In fact, in bluegrass banjo playing, many times it is proper. Just use your ears.The banjo or guitar capo is sometimes called a “cheater.” In a sense it is, but it doesn’t make you a poor musician to use it. Used too sparingly, and you’re playing a tenor banjo. Used too much, it will distract from the rest of the strings. I view the 5th string as the salt to the meat and potatoes of the other four. Depending on the key of the song, it may be necessary to capo the 5th string. Try to use the 5th string sparingly. It can be used when transferring roll patterns, switching chords, when ‘walking’ in between chords, and as a melody or a harmony note. The 5th string is almost exclusively picked by the thumb. Combined with the Scruggs technique, a banjo player can play many more notes in the same amount of time than most other musicians.

This oddity provides the banjo player with the ability to play very fast. A couple other instruments such as the Hardanger Fiddle and the Sitar have resonance (sympathetic) strings which are similar, but not meant to be played directly. This 5th string, combined with the banjo head, separates the banjo from most fretted string instruments.

BANJO 5TH STRING CAPO FULL

For the full historical background, please see The History of the Banjo. The 5th string (drone string) has been in place since the earliest records of the banjo.

Banjo 5th string capo