Have you thought about your guitar’s neck shape? For beginners, guitar necks may seem the same. Yet, with the different neck shapes, they play a little differently.
Upgrade your playing comfort. Dive into our guide on guitar neck profiles. Choose the profile that complements your style effortlessly.
Find Your Perfect Fit
The comfort and playability of your guitar hinge significantly on this factor: the neck profile. Think of it like finding the perfect fit for your hand.
The neck profile often goes unnoticed because it’s positioned behind the guitar. Unless you take a moment to pick up and play, you might not realize how crucial its neck profile is.
The profile of your guitar neck profoundly influences how you play— it’s all about how it feels in your hands.
Make sure you find the sweet spot for smooth playing. Find your ideal match now!
What is a Neck Profile?
The guitar neck is a long piece of wood that holds the strings and connects the body to the headstock. It’s what you grip while playing. The neck feel depends on its wood, shape, size, thickness, and finish.
The ‘neck profile’ refers to the curved shape of the back section of a guitar’s neck or the backside of the fretboard. You can call it the “neck shape or back shape.”
Guitar neck shapes are described with letters and classified into two main groups:
- Symmetrical Neck Profile: A symmetrical neck profile is one where the shape of the neck is identical on both sides, creating a balanced and even feel. The most popular symmetrical neck shapes are C, U, V, and D.
- Asymmetrical Neck Profile: An asymmetrical neck profile, on the other hand, is intentionally designed with differences between the two sides. This option is tailored for guitarists who desire easy access to the treble side of the neck for soloing, while ensuring comfortable playability of barre chords at the upper section.
NOTE:
- Don’t mix up neck shape with neck depth, width, or fingerboard radius; they are distinct elements in the construction of a guitar’s neck.
- The neck profile doesn’t change the sound; it just affects how you play. There’s no one-size-fits-all shape, only what feels best for each player.
Every neck shape is unique, providing a distinct playing feel with pros and cons based on your style. Some like thin necks for speed, others prefer thick ones for powerful bends.
Most Common Guitar Neck Profiles
Guitar neck profiles, labeled with letters, reveal how the neck feels in your hand. They’re named after the shape your hand makes when holding the neck.
So, getting to know these profiles is like finding the right match for your style. Whether it’s the curve of a ‘C’ or the grip of a ‘D,’ each shape brings a unique feel to your playing. Let’s dive into guitar neck profiles and find what suits you best.
Here are some common guitar neck shapes:
C–Shape Guitar Neck Profile
The most common neck shape in today’s market is the standard C-shape. It’s comfortable for all players and suits various styles. As a baseline, its feel helps understand other profiles like V, D, and U.
U–Shape Guitar Neck Profile
The ‘U’ neck is less common, like a deeper and chunkier version of a C. U-profile necks, commonly dubbed fat or heavy and referred to as the Baseball Bat Neck in vintage-inspired guitars, are ideal for players with larger hands or those who prefer a solid grip. The U profile provides a solid base for chord work, fitting different hand sizes.
V–Shape Guitar Neck Profile
The V-shaped neck is a vintage design seen on older guitars. It provides a distinct feel and is often preferred by players who like the vintage or classic vibe. Some players prefer the V shape for its twangy sound. The slight hump in the profile is beneficial for players who prefer thumb-over-neck fretting and a sturdy grip for substantial bends. It comes in two variations: the soft V-shape and the hard V-shape.
D–Shape Guitar Neck Profile
The D neck, a blend of C and U shapes, resembles a chunky C. With its flatter profile, the D-shape is excellent for fast playing and cherished by shredders for its slinky feel. It’s one of the most common neck shapes, alongside the C. It provides a comfortable grip for players who seek a balance between the C-shape and a flatter profile.
The most popular types are ‘C’ and ‘D’ neck profiles, known for their versatility and widespread use among guitarists.
The Least Common Asymmetrical Shape
Asymmetrical necks are a unique twist in guitar design. Unlike symmetrical necks, they intentionally vary in shape to match your hand’s grip, thicker in one part. This design helps reach tricky areas on the neck and gives your palm a comfy place to rest. Asymmetrical necks offer a tailored experience for guitarists, whether for quick movements or chord transitions.
Common Neck Shapes in Popular Guitars
Choosing the perfect guitar goes beyond aesthetics and sound. Explore this list of guitar selections based on neck profiles. If you come across them in a nearby shop, try playing different guitars to assess how they feel in your hand.
‘C’ Neck Profile Guitars
- Epiphone DR-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Fender FA-15 3/4 Acoustic Guitar
- Luna Art Vintage Folk Concert Acoustic
- Washburn WA90CE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric
- Cordoba Mini II Short-scale Nylon-string Acoustic
- Breedlove ECO Rainforest S Concert Acoustic-electric
- D’Angelico Premier Bowery Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Guild D-240E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Guild M-20 Concert Acoustic Guitar
- Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster Acoustic-electric Guitar
- Yamaha PAC012 Pacifica Electric Guitar
- Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe Electric Guitar
- Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster Electric Guitar
- Epiphone Coronet Electric Guitar
- Fender Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar
- Fender Player Telecaster HH Electric Guitar
- Fender American Performer Telecaster
- Gibson Custom 1954 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue VOS
‘U’ Neck Profile Guitars
- ESP LTD TL-6QM Thinline Acoustic-electric Guitar
- ESP LTD TL-6 Acoustic-electric Guitar
- Gretsch G5021E Rancher Penguin Parlor Acoustic-electric Guitar
- Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Gretsch G6228FM Player’s Edition Duo Jet Electric Guitar
- Gretsch G5622 Electromatic Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail
- Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet
- Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner Junior Jet Club Electric Guitar
- ESP LTD Xtone PS-1 Semi-hollow Electric Guitar
- ESP LTD EC-256FM
- ESP LTD EC-1000 Electric Guitar
- ESP E-II Horizon FR
- ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH-202
- ESP LTD F Black Metal Electric Guitar
‘V’ Neck Profile Guitars
- Gibson Acoustic 50s LG-2
- Gibson Acoustic Nathaniel Rateliff LG-2 Western
- Gibson Acoustic 1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar
- Martin CEO-7 Acoustic Guitar
- Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton Acoustic Guitar
- Martin 000-28 Brooke Ligertwood Signature Acoustic Guitar
- Martin Select 28 Style Herringbone Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Fender Jimmie Vaughan Tex-Mex Stratocaster (Soft V)
- Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster (Soft V)
- Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster (Soft V)
- Fender Stories Collection Eric Johnson 1954 “Virginia” Stratocaster (Soft V)
‘D’ Neck Profile Guitars
- Epiphone Dove Studio Acoustic-Electric
- Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Epiphone J-15 EC
- Epiphone J-45 Studio Acoustic Guitar
- Epiphone J-200 EC Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Epiphone L-00 Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster
- Fender American Ultra Stratocaster
- Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster Floyd Rose HSS
- Fender American Ultra Telecaster
- Fender Limited-Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster Electric Guitar
- Epiphone Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar
- Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1 Electric Guitar
- Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1 Electric Guitar
- Epiphone SG Special Satin E1 Electric Guitar
What Neck Profile Works Best For My Hands?
Choosing the best guitar neck profile for your guitar comes down to a few key factors:
- Hand Size: Consider whether your hands are larger or smaller, as this will affect how comfortable you feel gripping different neck shapes. Larger hands might prefer a thicker neck for better support, while smaller hands might find a slimmer profile easier to navigate.
- Playing Style: Your preferred playing style influences the ideal neck profile. Slimmer necks are great for fast playing, while thicker necks offer stability for chords.
- Comfort: Ultimately, the best neck profile feels comfortable in your hands. Pay attention to how the neck feels as you play chords, scales, and melodies. If the neck feels too bulky or too thin, it might not be the right fit for you.
- Preference: Personal preference is vital in choosing a neck profile. Some players prefer the feel of a vintage-style, chunky neck, while others prefer the sleekness of a modern, slim profile.
- Musical Genre: Certain neck profiles suit specific genres. For example, vintage-style necks with a thicker profile are often favored in blues and rock music, while sleeker, modern profiles are popular in jazz and metal. When selecting a neck profile, think about the genre of music you play the most.
Easy-Playing Guitar Necks
The neck profile changes how you play, so try before you buy!
If you haven’t considered the neck profile before, now’s the time, as you’ll be spending plenty of time with your hand on your guitar’s neck. Consider its weight, balance, and overall comfort.
There’s no substitute for trying out guitars in person. Visit a music store and explore different neck profiles, even unfamiliar ones. Consider its weight, balance, and overall comfort. You might be surprised that a neck profile you didn’t expect to like feels comfortable and improves your playing.
Lastly, feel free to ask for guidance from seasoned players or guitar experts when choosing a guitar neck profile. They can help you find the best neck profile efficiently and effectively.
So, explore, choose, and play with ease!
