A capo is a device for clamping all the strings at a particular fret, changing their pitch. On Guitar it simply changes the key. On the Strumstick, it changes the key, but also changes the type of scale you get.
Standard (G) Strumstick
Without Capo, key of G Major
Capo at 1st fret gives key of A minor
Capo 3rd fret gives C major
Capo 4th fret gives D minor
Grand (D) Strumstick
Without Capo, key of D Major
Capo at 1st fret gives key of E minor
Capo 3rd fret gives G major
Capo 4th fret gives A minor
Why does the capo change the scale ?
The Strumstick frets are in an irregular pattern to give a diatonic (major) scale. This pattern gives a major scale ( plus a flatted seventh "extra" note). If you capo at the first fret, you raise all the strings by a whole tone (to A, on the G Strumstick) but you also change the pattern of frets to a minor scale now in key of A ( key of A minor).
These are banjo capos. We recommend these two for their good fit with the size of the Strumstick.
The Paige Capo opens and closes with a small loop that holds the bar down, and tightens with a thumbscrew from the back. The screw needs to be loosened and tightened each time the capo is used. See instructions below.
$22
The Shubb Capo works with a toggle that opens from the bottom, a screw adjusts the opening; once the proper tightness is selected, it does not have to be readjusted to remove or reuse. See instructions below.
$28
Some of the fret patterns you get with a capo are useful, some are less so. Generally frets 1 (A minor), 3 (C major), and 4 (D minor), or even 8 (G, an octave higher), give the best results. Keep in mind that the extra fret (the flatted seventh) may please or annoy you, depending on which fret you are capoed at. Also, if you are using an alternate tuning you will get different results.
