Guitar Necks: The Necessary Knowledge For Any Guitarist.
When it comes to guitar playing, the neck of your guitar plays a major role in your sound and technique. It is the part of the guitar you interact with most and gives you the tools to produce fantastic sound. Getting the right guitar neck is key to playing a great guitar, as it can mean the difference between something sounding good and sounding great. If you are looking to upgrade your guitar playing, understanding what features to look out for in regards to a guitar neck is an essential first step.
The neck of your guitar is made up of a variety of elements, including the shape of the neck, the neck angle, the width and length of the fretboard, the fret size and the material the neck is made from. All of these elements play important roles in determining the characteristics and sound of your guitar.
The shape of the neck is one of the most important factors and different shapes are designed for different types of playing styles. For example, necks with large fretboards can be great for lead guitarists, as they provide a wide range of notes and can be great for fast runs. Shallow necks provide more tone for classical playing, whereas small fretboards are great for fingerstyle guitarists.
The neck angle is the angle the neck is set at in relation to the body of the guitar. This angle dictates the amount of tension the strings have across the fretboard, as well as the distance between the strings and the fretboard over all.
The width and length of the fretboard also play a role as they determine the range of notes you can access as a player. Typically, widths range from 42mm up to 56mm and lengths can range from 21.5” up to 24.75”. While longer boards provide greater range and tonal capabilities, they can be harder to play on for some depending on the size of your hands.
The fret size is also important, as larger frets are capable of providing more accurate intonation when playing across the neck. Also, larger frets are great for playing chords and can be incredibly helpful for players with larger hands.
Last but not least, the material that the neck is made from can change the sound of the guitar in a variety of ways. Different woods generally offer distinct sounds, ensuring that you get the tone you desire. For example, Maple and Rosewood are some of the most popular neck materials due to their ability to produce rich, full-bodied tones.
When selecting the right guitar neck, it’s important to keep all of the above aspects in mind to ensure you get the sound and comfort you desire. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a few different necks until you find the one that works best for you. With the right guitar neck in place, you’ll be ready to take your playing to the next level!