What are spikes and do I need them?
The word spike refers to a small nail that can be installed at various frets (usually frets 7 and 10) along the 5thstring. Placing the 5th string under the correct spike will bring it up to the pitch needed when playing with a capo, without having to significantly retune the string. A device called a sliding 5th-string capo will accomplish the same purpose, but adds bulk to the neck.
