Spudwheat - Posted - 04/15/2025:  22:19:11

So, forgive my ignorance. The following are numbered so you can respond by number. (1)Can you capo a 5 string in open G to another common tuning? (2) What would that be? I understand what a capo does, but I don't understand its positional use. (3)For example, do you start out in CC and capo to open G? (4)For CH, would one need RR spikes? (5) I think 7th fret changes the 5th to an A (?). (6)In CH do you need more than a spike on 5,7,9 position? (7)When you capo on the 5th under the 9th fret, is the string also under the 7th and 5th? (8)Can you capo open G to Sawmill? (9)Where would the 5th string go? Thanks, in advance, for any technical insight you can provide. 

PHJim - Posted - 04/15/2025:  22:52:51

(1) Capo open G at 2 for open A or at 5 for open C.
(2) Every fret you move up the neck raises the tuning by 1/2 tone.
(3) Double C capoed at 2 gives double D. To get double G (not open G) you'd have to capo at 7.
(4) If you intend to capo, you'll have to find a way to raise the 5th string. Either spikes, 5th string capo or tune up
(5) Right
(6) Not likely
(7) I wouldn't.
(8) Not without retuning
(9) ?

raybob - Posted - 04/15/2025:  22:54:21

(1) The key most commonly capoed to from an open G tuning is most likely A. There are lots of tunes in A, and it’s an easy 2 frets up the neck. The 5th string should also be moved up 2 frets, from G to A on the 7th fret. Some folks just tighten the 5th with its tuner others will use some kind of 5th string capo or spikes.
(8) No. The capo doesn’t change the relationship between the different strings. By putting one on you are raising the 4 long strings as a whole. In sawmill the second string is raised 1 fret (or 1/2 step), from an open G say. After you put on your capo the 2nd string will still have to be raised by you. You will still need to do something with the 5th string, capo it or tune it somewhere.

Spudwheat - Posted - 04/16/2025:  03:20:02

quote:

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Originally posted by PHJim

(1) Capo open G at 2 for open A or at 5 for open C.

(2) Every fret you move up the neck raises the tuning by 1/2 tone.

(3) Double C capoed at 2 gives double D. To get double G (not open G) you'd have to capo at 7.

(4) If you intend to capo, you'll have to find a way to raise the 5th string. Either spikes, 5th string capo or tune up

(5) Right

(6) Not likely

(7) I wouldn't.

(8) Not without retuning

(9) ?

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Thank you so much for providing clarity. I have been thinking on this and really couldn't wrap my head around it. So, if you capo at 7 for double G, there wouldn't be a need for a RR spike b/c the 5th string would be under the capo, right? Additionally, do you prefer spikes, Shubb sliding capo, or re-tuning on that 5th? I do not have anything right now (except RR on 5th), and I'm not sure I need it. I am pretty good at tuning, how often does that 5th snap? Just for point of reference, I'm playing vintage light strings on a Deering Americana with planetary tuners. The adjustment is pretty fine. The weight of the vintage lights is:

First String | 9.5

Second String | 11

Third String | 12

Fourth String | 20w

Fifth String | 9.5

Spudwheat - Posted - 04/16/2025:  03:34:39

quote:

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Originally posted by raybob

(1) The key most commonly capoed to from an open G tuning is most likely A. There are lots of tunes in A, and it’s an easy 2 frets up the neck. The 5th string should also be moved up 2 frets, from G to A on the 7th fret. Some folks just tighten the 5th with its tuner others will use some kind of 5th string capo or spikes.

(8) No. The capo doesn’t change the relationship between the different strings. By putting one on you are raising the 4 long strings as a whole. In sawmill the second string is raised 1 fret (or 1/2 step), from an open G say. After you put on your capo the 2nd string will still have to be raised by you. You will still need to do something with the 5th string, capo it or tune it somewhere.

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Thank you so much for your reply. Do you capo the 5th string or re-tune? If you re-tune, how often does it snap? I'm playing vintage lights with planetary tuners on a Deering Americana. That 5th has a weight of 9.5. I love the strings, but always hold my breath when I tighten them. I haven't had one snap (with the exception of one I had to re-wind. It had a little kink in it at the nut. Boy, was that dramatic and memorable. ). If you capo the 5th with spikes, how many do you have? When I see banjos with spikes on 7,8,9,10 etc, it seems like overkill. I am pretty good at tuning.

raybob - Posted - 04/16/2025:  08:51:54

Spudwheat,
Personally I use a spike. I have one spike at the 7th. If I have to capo the 5th string above that I have a "pen top" capo that I can use (search it for a description or google it). I seldom have to capo the 5th string above the 7th fret.

Rusty - Posted - 04/16/2025:  09:00:33

I prefer not to use a capo nor spikes for old time banjo. I like the sound of using the full string by retuning. I also travel with 2, and sometimes a 3rd banjo so i don’t have to retune. My personal preference.

Nic Pennsylvania - Posted - 04/16/2025:  09:18:16

As to your first question, I will either tune my fifth string down to F# or spike it at the seventh fret for an A to facilitate playing in D. I only capo at the spike to do so.

matthewfbyrnes - Posted - 04/16/2025:  09:46:05

Regarding 6:

Do Old Time players generally put spikes on the 9th?

It's my understanding that old time players typically play in the keys of G, A, C, and D, so if you go the spike route, you could probably get away with just a spike on the 7th unless you're accompanying a vocalist who likes to play in other keys or you're doing something less standard. But I mostly play bluegrass, so I could be wrong about this.

I used to keep a banjo in double D (ADADE), and I never broke a 5th string, but your mileage may vary. The advantage of railroad spikes or a 5th-string capo is that it saves you time tuning.

BG Banjo - Posted - 04/16/2025:  11:17:38

quote:

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Originally posted by Nic Pennsylvania

As to your first question, I will either tune my fifth string down to F# or spike it at the seventh fret for an A to facilitate playing in D. I only capo at the spike to do so.

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Me too. I spike the fifth string at the 7th to play in the keys of A and D, the 9th for E. I've been doing that for bluegrass banjo all along. I seldom capo the other four. I've recently been exploring clawhammer and have been doing the same thing. I don't know if that is a common practice, but just droning a G no matter what key you are in doesn't work for me, so I dont know what the alternative would be.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 04/16/2025:  12:30:18

For the rare occasions I need to play in E:

C-tuning capo 4 or D-tuning capo 2. Spike (7th) and retune the 5th.