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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/404781
sixwatergrog - Posted - 08/25/2025: 14:28:10
Is there any harm in playing 100% of the time with a capo on the 4th fret of a 6 string banjo? Not for chords but for melody playing. Fiddle tunes and Irish tunes. This would shorten the scale length to a more comfortable reach for both my fingers and my shoulder.
trapdoor2 - Posted - 08/25/2025: 15:37:09
It shouldn't be an issue. You're just shifting your fret wear patterns up 4 frets.
The strings may feel a bit stiffer. Going down in dia. one step may help that.
tdennis - Posted - 08/25/2025: 15:41:17
I see no issue w/ your playing style using a capo, but , a word of caution, depending on the type of capo you have. I've seen several guitars & banjos that were played & stored w/ a permanent capo, where some materials used interacted w/ the finish.
Edited by - tdennis on 08/25/2025 15:42:00
Lew H - Posted - 08/26/2025: 14:51:01
I have a long neck 5 string. I keep a capo at the 3rd or higher fret almost permanently. No problems.
Tim Jumper - Posted - 08/26/2025: 16:53:48
I capo up a few frets (2-5) almost all the time on my home-made Frankenbanjo-guitar.
It plays easier and sounds better (brighter) capoed.
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