Electric Guitar Necks

Electric Guitar Necks: Is Thick or Thin is Best?

There is more to buying a guitar than just looking for the one that is cool looking (or the prettiest if your a lady). Playability is important, and it differs from player to player. The size of a guitarist’s hands and fingers will usually determine what kind of electric guitar neck he needs, thick or thin.

If a player has small hands and short fingers, he might need an axe with a thin neck. This easily allows him to reach the top and the bottom of the fretboard. It also allows him to cover more frets from one position because the thickness of the neck does not overextend his fingers.

Conversely, a player with wide hands and long fingers might prefer an electric guitar with a thick neck. If he were to use one with a thin neck, his fingers would be all over the place and getting in the way of each other. To visualize this, imagine Johnny Winter using a broomstick for a neck. The thicker neck helps the hands and fingers stay in position and allows the player to squeeze better when doing bends and vibrato.

Fender Electric Guitar Necks

Fender stratocaster electric guitar necks Electric Guitar Necks

Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Thin Necks


Fender guitars usually have thin necks. Stratocasters and Telecasters are good examples. Of course, each guitar is a little different, but this is typically the case. However, you can find these models with thicker necks.

Maple necks seem to make a difference. Somehow, when the neck is maple it feels even thinner, though it is just slicker. The best thing is to try both kinds to see what feels best to you. Many fast players enjoy maple necks.

Ibanez is another brand that makes many models with thin necks. So is Paul Reed Smith, who carries models that have thick necks as well. Another favorite of many players are Jacksons.
 
 
 

Gibson Electric Guitar Necks

Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar 300x124 Electric Guitar Necks

Gibson SG Standard Thick Neck Electric Guitar


If you need an electric guitar with a thick neck, consider a Gibson. They have a rounded, C-shaped neck that may accommodate your larger hands and fingers. Examples of Gibsons with thick necks include 335s, SGs and Les Pauls. An interesting thing though, the necks are so sleek that, unless you have tremendously small hands, you will probably never notice the thickness.

Don’t run out and just buy a guitar on anybody’s recommendation. When it comes to the way electric guitar necks feel to you, you are the only one who can make that determination. Demo guitars until you are sure of what works for you.
Find out more about electric guitar necks.

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