A radio frequency coil system (38) for magnetic resonance imaging includes a plurality of parallel spaced apart rungs (60) which each includes rung capacitors (68). An end cap (64) is disposed at a closed end (66) of the coil system (38). An RF shield (62) is connected to the end cap (64) and surrounds the rungs (60), extending in a direction substantially parallel to rungs (60). The RF coil system (38) may be used as birdcage, TEM, hybrid, combination birdcage and TEM, or other.