Frets are fundamental to playing the guitar. They are the thin metal strips embedded in the guitar’s fretboard, which is the surface of the neck where your fingers press down the strings. When you press a guitar string down behind a fret, closer to the guitar’s headstock and away from the body, you shorten the vibrating length of the string. This change in string length is what produces different musical notes.
While “fret” technically refers to the metal strip itself, guitarists often use the term to describe the position on the fretboard just below a fret. For example, the space between the nut (at the headstock end of the fretboard) and the first metal fret is called the “first fret.” The space between the first and second frets is the “second fret,” and so on, moving up towards the guitar’s body.
As you move up the fretboard, towards the body of the guitar, each fret you go up increases the pitch of the note by a semitone, also known as a half-step. Reaching the 12th fret is a significant point. The note played at the 12th fret is exactly one octave higher than the note of the open string (a string played without pressing down on any fret). Interestingly, the 12th fret is positioned precisely at the halfway point of the guitar’s scale length – the distance between the nut and the bridge where the strings are anchored.
How Many Frets are on a Guitar?
The number of frets on a guitar can vary, mainly depending on the type of guitar, and sometimes even the specific model.
Classical guitars, known for their nylon strings and wider necks, typically come with 19 frets. On a classical guitar, the neck usually joins the body at the 12th fret. Players who want to reach notes beyond the 12th fret on a classical guitar often need to adjust their picking hand position to comfortably access these higher frets.
Steel-string acoustic guitars tend to have more variation in fret numbers. While many common models, like the Martin D-28 or Gibson Hummingbird, feature 20 frets, it’s not unusual to find acoustic guitars with even more frets. To make playing these higher frets easier, some acoustic guitars are designed with a “cutaway.” A cutaway is an indentation in the guitar’s body that allows for better access to the upper reaches of the fretboard.
Electric guitars generally offer the widest range in fret numbers, typically ranging from 21 to 24 frets. Here are a few examples:
- Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster: These iconic models traditionally had 21 frets. However, in the 1980s, Fender began offering necks with 22 frets as well, providing players with slightly extended range.
- Gibson Les Paul: A classic electric guitar design, the Les Paul typically has 22 frets. The neck of a Les Paul joins the body at the 16th fret.
- Gibson SG: Another popular Gibson electric guitar, the SG also comes with 22 frets. However, the SG’s neck joins the body higher up, at the 19th fret, which allows for easier access to the higher frets compared to a Les Paul.
Dealing with Fret Buzz
Fret buzz is a common issue, particularly on guitars with steel strings. Over time and with regular playing, frets can experience wear and tear, eventually becoming worn down. When frets become uneven or worn, it can lead to the strings vibrating against the frets in a way that produces an unwanted buzzing sound.
Fret buzz can be a sign of more significant problems with a guitar’s construction or setup. However, in many cases, it can be resolved with relatively simple adjustments. One common fix is to raise the string action – the height of the strings above the fretboard. If your guitar is buzzing, resources like The Big Buzz List can be incredibly helpful. This comprehensive guide details various causes of fret buzz and provides suggestions for how to correct them. While it’s primarily focused on acoustic guitars, the principles and solutions are largely applicable to electric guitars as well.
Understanding Intonation
Intonation refers to how accurately a guitar plays in tune across the fretboard. If you’ve ever played a chord, like a G chord, that sounds perfectly in tune, but then played another chord, such as an E chord, that sounds noticeably out of tune, you’ve likely encountered an intonation problem.
Intonation issues can sometimes indicate serious problems with your guitar, but often, they can be corrected with a straightforward adjustment. While intonation problems are not always caused by the frets themselves, worn frets or frets that are not properly leveled (too high in places) can certainly be contributing factors. Fortunately, adjusting your guitar’s intonation is something you can often do yourself. Guides like this one on setting guitar intonation can walk you through the process.
By understanding guitar frets, from their basic function to potential issues like buzz and intonation, you’ll be better equipped to care for your instrument and ensure it plays its best.
