Using a Capo on a 5-String

[Overgeared]

So I play a lot of songs with alternative tunings (Eb and D mainly) as well as in standard E. This is not an issue when practicing at home as. Can take my time to retune, but in rehearsals and gigs, it wastes a lot of time.

Rather than having several other guitars (that I can’t afford) in different tunings and swapping, I thought of getting a 5 string, keeping it in BEADG standard, and then using a capo when I need to change tuning. Songs that require drop d I can still use my 4 string with hipshot.

What are people’s thoughts on using a capo with a 5-string bass? Is it acceptable or will I be shunned by the bass community and have cries of “Shame!” following me around the rest of my days?

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

If you’re comfortable with a fiver , then why not . Maybe the one bass does it all ..🤔

I was in a band where on a four string , the guitarists gave me a woman’s hair tie for a couple of songs.as they never had a capo . Worked fine.

Edited September 12, 2025 by RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE

[attackbass]

Whatever works for you but I'm slightly confused as to why you would need to use a capo with a 5 string bass for songs in Eb or D unless I've read the post incorrectly.

 

Also can you get capos wide enough for a 5 string neck? Not sure if it would have sufficient pressure for the low B.

[Geek99]

Let me tell you a story …

years ago I tried 5 string and I totally didn’t get it. I sold that aria magna 5

 

i bought a sire v7 5 and it just worked … 

but my thoughts also changed to what actually worked 

don’t buy a 5 string expecting to use those low notes, that opportunity will be vanishingly rare

use that low string only when you realise that you’d need to use open strings on a four string 

 

example : teenaged dirtbag e a b a

using open strings it is a muting nightmare but playing accross from fret 5 of b string, it is not and you can easily shift up or down to suit the singer 

Edited September 13, 2025 by Geek99

[Geek99]

8 minutes ago, attackbass said:

Whatever works for you but I'm slightly confused as to why you would need to use a capo with a 5 string bass for songs in Eb or D unless I've read the post incorrectly.

 

Also can you get capos wide enough for a 5 string neck? Not sure if it would have sufficient pressure for the low B.

If you were using a capo would you need the low B? 
otherwise agree 100%

Edited September 13, 2025 by Geek99

[tauzero]

I used a capo on a 5-string for Whole Lotta Rosie as we were doing it a semitone down and it's a nightmare to play if you don't use the open A. Then the singer decided he could cope with standard tuning so I never did a gig with the capo, but I would quite happily have done so.

[attackbass]

True and I agree that the true beauty of a 5 string is playing across the neck and making life easier for yourself.

 

I've started to move back towards 4 strings recently but if I need a 5, I use a 5.

[Grahambythesea]

I have used a capo from time to time on a 5 string. The only downside is the thickness of strings, you’ll need a capo with a strong spring, probably not a Shubb.