Blog search
Blog categories
More Resources
Blog archives
Latest Comments
Martha Butler
on Fixing Banjo Timing - Banjo Tab Exercises
George Hicks
on How Hard is it to Play the Banjo?
Thomas Holder
on Banjo Capo Advice - How and When to Use a Banjo...
Bryan Cook
on Banjo Capo Advice - How and When to Use a Banjo...
Putting the Capo on
How to put a banjo capo on
Student Question
I spent yesterday at a oldtime music jamboree with about ten different bands playing. I noticed the guitar players when they moved their capos they didn't retune, when I put mine on the banjo it doesn't sound right and appears to be out of tune. Your book (banjo encyclopedia) says I may have to retune with the capo on. My question is if I put the capo on the 2nd fret (key of A) what do I tune the strings to?? I guess this question would be the same for any placement of the capo.
My answer
Retuning when you put a capo on means that you have to fine tune, not change the notes you tune too. Review the part about putting the capo on in the Banjo Encyclopedia for more information. Basically, place the capo right behind the fret and do not tighten it too much, guitars stay in tune better when you put a capo on, that's a fact.
Practice taking the capo on and off while checking it with the tuner to see how the strings react, experiment so you know what to expect when you put the capo on and take it off, I have to check my tuning and fine tune some when I put a capo on, if I put it on carefully and don't tighten too much that helps. I think there may be some more details or tips in the Banjo E.
Also another tip, after you put the capo on, then place the fifth string in the spike and tune that first, and then take the palm of my hand and push all the strings down once, this gets rid of some binding that happens when you put the capo on, that may help too.
Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Ross Nickerson
( )==='==~
Related products
Leave a CommentLeave a Reply
- About Us - Contact
- Books, CDs, DVDs
- Supplies
- Banjos
- Learn Now
- Reviews
- Lesson Site
- Workshops
The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise Workshop is held in a large private conference room that is essentially sound proof and separate from all other passengers. The workshop takes place during the days we are at sea so you can visit all ports and still have plenty of time for fun with your spouse, family or friends while on the cruise. The class sizes are small ensuring that each student receives the assistance and encouragement they need.ST Pete Banjo Camp
Annual Banjo Workshop weekend in Sunny St Pete Beach Florida!
The Academy of Performance Arts with Ross Nickerson
Banjo camp seminar and group banjo lesson workshop in the USA for bluegrass 5-string banjo in Florida at sunny St Pete Beach. This is an annual Florida banjo event and held during the winter months for locals,winter residents and students who want to escape the cold while improving their banjo playing, and having fun doing it.The Banjo Safari
The Banjo Safari
Join me for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling to Africa for an African Photo Safari. I am to be teaming up with our professional Safari guides Kevin and Tricia Dooley on an adventure that none of us will forget. We'll spend our mornings and late afternoons exploring the wildlife of South Africa, and the mid day will be filled with a banjo workshop that should be fun and rewarding. - Resources