A capo clamps across the neck so every open string rings at a higher pitch, which lets a banjo player change key without learning new shapes. On a five-string banjo the short fifth string adds a twist, because a regular capo may not reach it.
The six capos below cover screw-tension, lever, quick-change and fifth-string designs. Materials, weights and wording come from each listing page. We have not used these capos ourselves, and claims about buzz-free playing are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Tension control | A screw or set-and-forget lever lets you match pressure to the strings |
| Instrument fit | Banjo, mandolin and ukulele necks are narrow and some capos are made for them |
| Fifth string | The short fifth string needs its own capo or a sliding bar |
| Material and weight | Aluminum is light, nickel and steel are heavier |
| Storage | Some capos park on the headstock or behind the nut |
Specs at a Glance
| Capo | Material | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| D’Addario NS Banjo and Mandolin | Aluminum | Screw | For 4 or 5-string banjos and mandolin; replaced if defective |
| Shubb C5 Standard | Nickel | Lever | 48 g; rubber pad; 1 year limited warranty |
| Paige Banjo Capo | Nickel-plated alloy steel | Center-tension screw | 22.68 g; felt-lined; 2 year warranty |
| Kyser KBMB Quick-Change | Aluminum | Spring clamp | 1.6 oz; parks on the headstock; 1 year warranty |
| Gold Tone Swift | Copper finish | One-hand grip | 1.8 oz; fits flat and radius boards; silicone cushions |
| Shubb FS 5th String | Nickel | Sliding bar | 2.4 oz; fifth string only, 6th to 10th fret |
The 6 Best Banjo Capos
1. D’Addario NS Banjo and Mandolin Capo
A screw-tension capo made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and designed for 4 or 5-string banjos and mandolin. The maker says the micrometer tension adjustment gives buzz-free, in-tune playing at every fret and that it works with one hand. It is available in black, and the listing mentions a guitar version under a separate model.
Suits: a fine-tuned screw adjustment. Strengths: light aluminum and one-hand use. Weaknesses: needs the screw reset when moved. Skip it if you want a single-lever design.
View D’Addario NS Banjo and Mandolin Capo Black on Amazon
2. Shubb C5 Standard Banjo Capo
A nickel capo with a lever lock and a custom rubber pad that the maker says works like a fingertip. The listing says Shubb’s set it and forget it design needs no pressure reset with each use, and describes the design as trusted for over 35 years. It weighs 48 grams and carries a 1 year limited warranty.
Suits: quick lever changes. Strengths: a set-once design. Weaknesses: heavier than the aluminum models. Skip it if you want a fine screw dial.
View Shubb C5 Standard Banjo Capo Polished Nickel on Amazon
3. Paige Banjo Capo
A handmade USA capo in nickel-plated alloy steel with an adjustable screw, a direct center tension saddle, a latch and felt-lined protection. The listing says it is made for 5-string banjos and also fits most mandolin necks, and it can be parked behind the nut. The spec table lists 22.68 grams and a 2 year warranty.
Suits: a slim low-profile feel. Strengths: a very low listed weight. Weaknesses: the screw takes a moment to set. Skip it if you want a one-hand lever.
View Paige Banjo Capo Smokey Black Finish on Amazon
4. Kyser Quick-Change KBMB
A quick-change spring capo in aircraft-grade aluminum for banjos, ukuleles and mandolins, made in the USA. The listing says it parks on the headstock when not in use, has a radius optimized for ukulele and is guaranteed for life, while the spec table shows a 1 year warranty and 1.6 ounces. One field in the listing names the item as guitar bridge pins, which looks like a listing error.
Suits: fast key changes. Strengths: light and quick to move. Weaknesses: conflicting warranty wording. Skip it if you want adjustable tension.
View Kyser Quick-Change Capo KBMB for Banjo Ukulele Mandolin on Amazon
5. Gold Tone Swift Capo
A copper-finish capo for banjo, ukulele, mandolin and tenor guitar with one-hand adjustment, silicone cushions that the maker says protect finishes, and a design that fits both flat and radius fingerboards. It weighs 1.8 ounces. The warranty line on the page reads N/a, and it is also offered in silver and black.
Suits: mixed instrument households. Strengths: flat and radius fit. Weaknesses: no warranty stated. Skip it if you want a nickel finish.
View Gold Tone Swift Capo for Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Copper on Amazon
6. Shubb FS 5th String Banjo Capo
A fifth-string capo with a patented sliding lever and a dovetailed slide bar that fits snugly against the neck. The listing says the fifth string can be capoed from the 6th to the 10th fret, and the maker says it minimizes re-tuning between key changes. It is nickel, weighs 2.4 ounces and has a 1 year limited warranty.
Suits: five-string players using a main capo. Strengths: a dedicated fifth-string slide. Weaknesses: it does not clamp the other strings. Skip it if you only need one capo.
View Shubb FS 5th String Banjo Capo Polished Nickel on Amazon
Listing Notes
- The D’Addario and Paige use screw tension; the Shubb C5 uses a lever.
- The Kyser and Gold Tone Swift are the quick-move models.
- Only the Shubb FS is made for the fifth string alone.
- The Kyser listing has conflicting warranty and item type wording.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a guitar capo for a narrow banjo neck.
- Forgetting the fifth string when changing key.
- Clamping too hard, which can pull strings sharp.
- Leaving a capo on the neck in the case.
Banjo Capos FAQ
Do I need a separate fifth-string capo?
The Shubb FS is made for that job. The other five clamp the neck, so check each listing for how it handles the short string.
Which ones can park out of the way?
The Kyser parks on the headstock and the Paige can sit behind the nut, according to their listings.
The Short Version
For a fine screw dial, the D’Addario NS. For a set-once lever, the Shubb C5. For slim handmade steel, the Paige. For quick changes, the Kyser KBMB. For flat and radius boards, the Gold Tone Swift. For the fifth string, the Shubb FS.
