Guitar enthusiasts often encounter terms like multiscale and fanned fret when exploring modern instrument designs. Both concepts relate to the way the frets are arranged on the guitar neck, and each offers unique advantages in playability, intonation, and tonal balance. Understanding the differences between multiscale and fanned fret guitars is essential for musicians considering these instruments for recording, performance, or personal enjoyment. These designs are particularly popular among extended-range guitars, such as seven-string or eight-string models, but they are also being adapted for traditional six-string guitars to improve ergonomics and sound quality.
What is a Multiscale Guitar?
A multiscale guitar, sometimes referred to as a variable scale guitar, features a neck in which each string has a different scale length. Scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge, and varying it across strings helps optimize tension and tone for each individual string. The bass strings typically have a longer scale to maintain clarity and tightness, while the treble strings have a shorter scale to improve playability and reduce string tension. This design improves overall balance and intonation, making multiscale guitars especially useful for players of extended-range instruments or those exploring complex chords and fast solos.
Advantages of Multiscale Guitars
Multiscale guitars offer several notable benefits that appeal to both professional and hobbyist musicians
- Improved string tensionEach string maintains optimal tension, enhancing playability and comfort.
- Better intonationVarying scale lengths help achieve more accurate pitch across all strings.
- Enhanced tonal clarityBass strings retain punch and definition, while treble strings remain smooth and easy to bend.
- Ergonomic benefitsThe angled string lengths can feel more natural to the hand, reducing fatigue during extended playing sessions.
Musicians who play progressive, metal, jazz, or complex fingerstyle music often find multiscale guitars particularly advantageous, as they allow greater control over tone and tension without sacrificing comfort.
What is a Fanned Fret Guitar?
A fanned fret guitar is closely related to multiscale designs but is defined by the visual angle of the frets across the fretboard. Instead of parallel frets, the frets are fanned outward from a central point, creating a diagonal pattern that accommodates the varying scale lengths. In practice, a fanned fret guitar is typically a type of multiscale guitar, but the term emphasizes the angled fret placement rather than the concept of multiple scale lengths. This design enhances ergonomic comfort and helps players execute stretches and complex chords more naturally while maintaining precise intonation.
Advantages of Fanned Fret Guitars
Fanned fret guitars provide several benefits that complement the advantages of multiscale designs
- Natural hand positioningThe angled frets align better with the natural motion of the fretting hand, reducing strain.
- Consistent tone across stringsLike multiscale guitars, fanned fret designs balance string tension for optimal clarity.
- Improved chord transitionsThe angled frets allow smoother stretches and easier access to higher frets.
- Visual appealThe unique diagonal fret design creates a modern and distinctive aesthetic.
Fanned fret guitars are often favored by players seeking both technical precision and ergonomic comfort. They are especially popular among guitarists playing extended-range instruments, tapping techniques, or complex chord voicings.
Key Differences Between Multiscale and Fanned Fret Guitars
While multiscale and fanned fret guitars share similarities, there are key distinctions that musicians should understand before choosing an instrument
Design Focus
Multiscale guitars primarily emphasize varying string scale lengths to optimize tension and tone. Fanned fret guitars, on the other hand, highlight the angled placement of frets, which also accommodates multiscale design but focuses on ergonomic advantages and visual appeal.
Visual Appearance
Multiscale guitars can have traditional-looking parallel frets if the scale lengths are adjusted subtly, while fanned fret guitars always display noticeable angled frets across the neck. This angled design is immediately visible and often contributes to a modern, futuristic look.
Ergonomics
Fanned frets are specifically designed to match the natural angles of the fretting hand, reducing wrist strain and finger fatigue. Multiscale guitars also improve ergonomics indirectly through tension distribution, but the visual and physical alignment of fanned frets can feel more comfortable for some players, particularly during extended playing sessions or complex techniques.
Applications and Popular Uses
Both multiscale and fanned fret guitars are commonly used in genres that demand precision, extended range, and tonal clarity. Popular applications include
- Progressive metal and djentMusicians benefit from clear low-end response and balanced tension for fast riffs and tapping.
- Jazz and fusionPlayers gain precise intonation and comfortable fret access for complex chord voicings and solos.
- Extended-range instrumentsSeven, eight, or nine-string guitars often utilize multiscale or fanned fret designs to maintain balanced tension across all strings.
- Fingerstyle and soloingErgonomic fretboards improve hand positioning for intricate picking patterns and expressive playing.
Considerations When Choosing Between the Two
When deciding between a multiscale or fanned fret guitar, several factors should be considered
- Playing comfortTry both designs to see which feels more natural for your hand positioning and playing style.
- Genre suitabilityConsider whether your music benefits more from balanced string tension or ergonomic fret angles.
- Aesthetic preferenceFanned frets provide a distinct look, which may influence your choice if visual appeal is important.
- Budget and availabilityFanned fret guitars are sometimes more expensive or harder to find, especially in extended-range configurations.
Multiscale and fanned fret guitars represent innovative approaches to guitar design, addressing issues of string tension, tone balance, and ergonomic playability. Multiscale guitars focus on optimizing scale lengths for each string, improving tonal clarity and intonation, while fanned fret guitars emphasize angled fret placement for natural hand positioning and visual appeal. Both designs offer significant advantages, particularly for extended-range instruments or technical playing styles. Understanding the differences between these two approaches allows guitarists to make informed decisions when choosing an instrument, enhancing performance, comfort, and overall musical expression.