What is a short scale electric guitar? Short scale electric guitars are guitars with a shorter scale length than traditional electric guitars. This means that the distance between the nut and the bridge is shorter, which results in a different sound and feel.
Editor’s Note: Short scale electric guitars are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional electric guitars. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the key differences between short scale and traditional electric guitars, and we’ll help you decide if a short scale electric guitar is right for you.
We’ve done the research and dug through the information, and we’ve put together this short scale electric guitar guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences Between Short Scale and Traditional Electric Guitars
| Feature | Short Scale | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Length | Less than 25.5 inches | 25.5 inches or more |
| String Tension | Lower | Higher |
| Sound | Warmer, mellower | Brighter, twangier |
| Feel | Easier to play | More challenging to play |
Main Article Topics
- The benefits of short scale electric guitars
- The drawbacks of short scale electric guitars
- Who should consider playing a short scale electric guitar
- How to choose the right short scale electric guitar
1. Scale Length
The scale length of a guitar is the distance between the nut and the bridge. A shorter scale length means that the strings are looser and have less tension. This results in a warmer, mellower tone with less treble bite. Short scale electric guitars are typically less than 25.5 inches in scale length, while traditional electric guitars are 25.5 inches or more.
- Tonal Characteristics: The shorter scale length of short scale electric guitars gives them a warmer, mellower tone with less treble bite. This makes them well-suited for genres such as blues, jazz, and indie rock.
- Playability: The lower string tension on short scale electric guitars makes them easier to play, especially for players with smaller hands or shorter reach. This can be a major advantage for beginners or players with certain physical limitations.
- Versatility: Despite their mellower tone, short scale electric guitars are still versatile instruments that can be used for a wide range of genres. They are particularly well-suited for clean and overdriven tones, but they can also be used for heavier styles of music with the right pickups and amplification.
- Compact Size: Short scale electric guitars are more compact and lightweight than traditional electric guitars, making them more portable and comfortable to play while standing or sitting. This can be a major advantage for players who gig regularly or who have limited space at home.
Overall, the shorter scale length of short scale electric guitars gives them a unique combination of tonal characteristics and playability that make them a great choice for a wide range of players. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-play instrument or a seasoned pro looking for a unique sound, a short scale electric guitar is worth considering.
2. String Tension
The string tension on a guitar is determined by the scale length and the string gauge. A shorter scale length means that the strings are looser and have less tension. This results in a warmer, mellower tone with less treble bite, and a looser, more slinky feel when playing.
Short scale electric guitars are typically strung with lighter gauge strings than traditional electric guitars. This further reduces the string tension, making them even easier to play. The lower string tension also makes it easier to bend the strings and create vibrato.
The looser, more slinky feel of short scale electric guitars makes them well-suited for genres such as blues, jazz, and indie rock. They are also popular with players who have smaller hands or shorter reach, as they are easier to play than traditional electric guitars.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between short scale and traditional electric guitars in terms of string tension:
| Feature | Short Scale | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Length | Less than 25.5 inches | 25.5 inches or more |
| String Tension | Lower | Higher |
| Feel | Looser, more slinky | Tighter, more taught |
Overall, the lower string tension on short scale electric guitars gives them a unique combination of tonal characteristics and playability that make them a great choice for a wide range of players.
3. Sound
The shorter scale length of short scale electric guitars gives them a warmer, mellower tone with less treble bite. This is because the shorter scale length reduces the tension on the strings, which in turn reduces the amount of high-frequency overtones produced. This results in a sound that is rounder, fuller, and more mellow.
The reduced treble bite of short scale electric guitars makes them well-suited for genres such as blues, jazz, and indie rock. These genres often rely on clean or overdriven tones, and the mellower sound of a short scale electric guitar can help to create a warm, vintage vibe.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists who have used short scale electric guitars to create their signature sound:
- Buddy Guy
- John Lennon
- David Gilmour
- Joni Mitchell
- Kurt Cobain
These guitarists have all used short scale electric guitars to create some of the most iconic and memorable sounds in rock and roll history.
Overall, the warmer, mellower tone of short scale electric guitars makes them a great choice for players who are looking for a vintage or bluesy sound.
Table: Comparison of Short Scale and Traditional Electric Guitar Sound
| Feature | Short Scale | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Length | Less than 25.5 inches | 25.5 inches or more |
| String Tension | Lower | Higher |
| Sound | Warmer, mellower tone with less treble bite | Brighter, twangier tone with more treble bite |
4. Feel
The shorter scale length of short scale electric guitars makes them easier to play, especially for players with smaller hands or shorter reach. This is because the shorter scale length reduces the distance between the frets, making it easier to reach and fret the notes. The lower string tension also makes it easier to bend the strings and create vibrato.
For players with smaller hands or shorter reach, a short scale electric guitar can be a more comfortable and playable instrument. This can be a major advantage for beginners or players with certain physical limitations.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists with smaller hands who have used short scale electric guitars:
- Jimi Hendrix
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Eric Johnson
- Joe Bonamassa
- John Mayer
These guitarists have all used short scale electric guitars to create some of the most iconic and memorable sounds in rock and roll history.
Overall, the easier playability of short scale electric guitars makes them a great choice for players with smaller hands or shorter reach. This can be a major advantage for beginners or players with certain physical limitations.
Table: Comparison of Short Scale and Traditional Electric Guitar Playability
| Feature | Short Scale | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Length | Less than 25.5 inches | 25.5 inches or more |
| String Tension | Lower | Higher |
| Feel | Easier to play, especially for players with smaller hands or shorter reach | More challenging to play for players with smaller hands or shorter reach |
5. Versatility
The versatility of short scale electric guitars is one of their key strengths. They are well-suited for a wide range of genres, from blues and jazz to indie rock and pop. This is due to their warm, mellow tone and easy playability.
The warm, mellow tone of short scale electric guitars makes them well-suited for genres such as blues and jazz. These genres often rely on clean or overdriven tones, and the mellower sound of a short scale electric guitar can help to create a warm, vintage vibe.
The easy playability of short scale electric guitars makes them a good choice for beginners and players with smaller hands or shorter reach. This can be a major advantage for players who are just starting out or who have certain physical limitations.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists who have used short scale electric guitars to create their signature sound:
- Buddy Guy (blues)
- John Lennon (rock)
- David Gilmour (rock)
- Joni Mitchell (folk)
- Kurt Cobain (grunge)
These guitarists have all used short scale electric guitars to create some of the most iconic and memorable sounds in rock and roll history.
Overall, the versatility of short scale electric guitars makes them a great choice for players of all levels and genres. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-play instrument or a seasoned pro looking for a unique sound, a short scale electric guitar is worth considering.
Table: Short Scale Electric Guitars and Genre Versatility
| Genre | Examples of Short Scale Electric Guitars Used |
|---|---|
| Blues | Fender Mustang, Gibson SG |
| Jazz | Gibson ES-335, Ibanez Artcore |
| Indie Rock | Fender Jaguar, Squier Mustang |
| Pop | Rickenbacker 330, Hofner Shorty |
6. Compact Size
The compact size of short scale electric guitars makes them more portable and comfortable to play while standing or sitting. This is a major advantage for players who gig regularly or who have limited space at home. Short scale electric guitars are also a good choice for players who have to travel frequently, as they are easier to pack and transport than traditional electric guitars.
The shorter scale length of short scale electric guitars also makes them more comfortable to play for players with smaller hands or shorter reach. This is because the frets are closer together, making it easier to reach and fret the notes. The lower string tension also makes it easier to bend the strings and create vibrato.
Here are some examples of real-life situations where the compact size of short scale electric guitars is a major advantage:
- A guitarist who plays in a band that gigs regularly can easily transport their short scale electric guitar to and from gigs without having to worry about damaging it.
- A guitarist who has limited space at home can store their short scale electric guitar in a closet or under a bed without taking up too much space.
- A guitarist who has to travel frequently can easily pack their short scale electric guitar in a suitcase or carry-on bag without having to worry about it taking up too much space or being damaged.
Overall, the compact size of short scale electric guitars makes them a more portable and comfortable to play instrument than traditional electric guitars. This is a major advantage for players who gig regularly, have limited space at home, or have to travel frequently.
Table: Advantages of the Compact Size of Short Scale Electric Guitars
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Portability | Short scale electric guitars are easier to transport than traditional electric guitars, making them ideal for players who gig regularly or travel frequently. |
| Comfort | Short scale electric guitars are more comfortable to play while standing or sitting, making them a good choice for players with smaller hands or shorter reach. |
| Space-saving | Short scale electric guitars are smaller than traditional electric guitars, making them easier to store in small spaces. |
7. Unique Aesthetics
Short scale electric guitars are often distinguished by their unique body shapes and designs. This is in part due to the shorter scale length, which allows for more experimentation with body shapes without sacrificing playability. As a result, short scale electric guitars come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the classic Fender Mustang to the more modern Ibanez Artcore.
- Classic Body Shapes
Many short scale electric guitars feature classic body shapes that have been used for decades. These shapes include the single-cutaway Telecaster, the double-cutaway Stratocaster, and the semi-hollow ES-335.
These classic body shapes are often associated with certain genres of music, such as blues, rock, and jazz. - Modern Body Shapes
In addition to classic body shapes, short scale electric guitars are also available in a variety of modern body shapes. These shapes are often more experimental and unique, and they can be designed to appeal to a wider range of players. For example, some modern short scale electric guitars feature offset bodies, contoured bodies, and even headless designs.
- Custom Body Shapes
Short scale electric guitars are also a popular choice for custom builders. This is because the shorter scale length gives builders more freedom to experiment with body shapes and designs. As a result, there are a wide variety of custom short scale electric guitars available, each with its own unique look and feel.
- Implications for Players
The unique body shapes and designs of short scale electric guitars can have a number of implications for players. For example, different body shapes can affect the weight, balance, and resonance of the guitar. Additionally, different body shapes can be more or less comfortable to play, depending on the player’s body size and playing style.
Overall, the unique body shapes and designs of short scale electric guitars are one of the things that makes them so popular. These guitars offer a wide range of options to choose from, and they can be customized to suit any player’s individual needs and preferences.
8. Lower Cost
The lower cost of short scale electric guitars is a significant advantage for many players. This is especially true for beginners or players on a budget. Short scale electric guitars are often more affordable than traditional electric guitars because they use less wood and require less labor to build. Additionally, short scale electric guitars are often produced in larger quantities, which can further reduce the cost.
- Materials and Construction
Short scale electric guitars typically use less wood than traditional electric guitars. This is because the body and neck of a short scale electric guitar are shorter. Additionally, short scale electric guitars often have simpler construction than traditional electric guitars. For example, many short scale electric guitars have bolt-on necks, which are less expensive to produce than set necks.
- Production Volume
Short scale electric guitars are often produced in larger quantities than traditional electric guitars. This is because short scale electric guitars are popular with beginners and players on a budget. As a result, manufacturers can produce short scale electric guitars in larger quantities, which can further reduce the cost.
- Implications for Players
The lower cost of short scale electric guitars makes them a great option for players on a budget. This is especially true for beginners who are just starting out and may not want to invest a lot of money in a guitar. Additionally, the lower cost of short scale electric guitars makes them a good option for players who want a second guitar for travel or practice.
Overall, the lower cost of short scale electric guitars is a significant advantage for many players. This makes them a great option for beginners, players on a budget, and players who want a second guitar for travel or practice.
9. Historical Significance
The historical significance of short scale electric guitars is undeniable. Some of the most legendary guitarists in history have used short scale electric guitars to create their signature sound, including Buddy Guy, John Lennon, and David Gilmour. These guitarists have helped to popularize the short scale electric guitar and have inspired countless other players to pick up the instrument.
There are several reasons why short scale electric guitars have been so popular with legendary guitarists. First, the shorter scale length makes the guitar easier to play, especially for players with smaller hands. This can be a major advantage for guitarists who want to play fast and complex solos. Second, the shorter scale length gives short scale electric guitars a warmer, mellower tone than traditional electric guitars. This tone is often preferred by blues and jazz guitarists, but it can also be used to create a wide variety of other genres of music.
Here are some specific examples of how legendary guitarists have used short scale electric guitars to create their signature sound:
- Buddy Guy is one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time. He is known for his aggressive playing style and his use of a Fender Mustang short scale electric guitar. The Mustang’s shorter scale length and warm, mellow tone give Buddy Guy’s playing a unique sound that is instantly recognizable.
- John Lennon was the lead guitarist for the Beatles. He is known for his songwriting and his innovative use of the electric guitar. John Lennon played a variety of short scale electric guitars, including the Rickenbacker 325 and the Fender Jaguar. These guitars gave John Lennon a unique sound that helped to define the Beatles’ sound.
- David Gilmour is the lead guitarist for Pink Floyd. He is known for his melodic playing style and his use of a Fender Stratocaster short scale electric guitar. The Stratocaster’s shorter scale length and warm, mellow tone give David Gilmour’s playing a unique sound that is instantly recognizable.
These are just a few examples of the many legendary guitarists who have used short scale electric guitars. These guitars have a unique sound and feel that has inspired countless players over the years. If you are looking for a guitar that is easy to play and has a warm, mellow tone, then a short scale electric guitar may be the right choice for you.
Table: Legendary Guitarists Who Have Used Short Scale Electric Guitars
| Guitarist | Band | Short Scale Electric Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Buddy Guy | Solo | Fender Mustang |
| John Lennon | The Beatles | Rickenbacker 325, Fender Jaguar |
| David Gilmour | Pink Floyd | Fender Stratocaster |
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Scale Electric Guitars
Short scale electric guitars have unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional electric guitars. They offer a comfortable playing experience, a unique sound, and a rich history. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about short scale electric guitars:
Q1: What are the benefits of playing a short scale electric guitar?
A1: Short scale electric guitars offer several benefits, including increased comfort due to the shorter distance between frets, reduced string tension which makes bending strings and creating vibrato easier, and a warmer, mellower tone compared to traditional electric guitars.
Q2: What are the drawbacks of playing a short scale electric guitar?
A2: Short scale electric guitars have a shorter scale length, which can result in a slightly reduced sustain compared to traditional electric guitars. Additionally, the redu
ced string tension may require adjustments to playing technique, especially for players accustomed to traditional scale lengths.
Q3: Who should consider playing a short scale electric guitar?
A3: Short scale electric guitars are a great choice for various players, including beginners due to their increased comfort and playability, players with smaller hands or shorter reach, and guitarists seeking a warmer, mellower tone or easier string bending capabilities.
Q4: How do I choose the right short scale electric guitar?
A4: Consider factors such as scale length, body shape, pickup configuration, and overall feel when choosing a short scale electric guitar. Experiment with different models and find one that suits your playing style, tonal preferences, and physical comfort.
Q5: What are some popular short scale electric guitars?
A5: Some popular short scale electric guitars include the Fender Mustang, Squier Mustang, Gibson SG, Epiphone SG, and Ibanez Artcore. These models offer a range of options in terms of scale length, body style, and price.
Q6: What famous guitarists have played short scale electric guitars?
A6: Several renowned guitarists have used short scale electric guitars, including Buddy Guy, John Lennon, David Gilmour, Kurt Cobain, and Jonny Greenwood. These guitarists have showcased the versatility and unique tonal qualities of short scale electric guitars in various musical genres.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Short scale electric guitars offer a distinct playing experience and tonal characteristics, providing guitarists with a comfortable, versatile, and historically significant instrument. When choosing a short scale electric guitar, consider your playing style, tonal preferences, and physical comfort to find the best fit.
Continue reading to explore the world of short scale electric guitars, including their history, construction, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Short Scale Electric Guitar Tips
Short scale electric guitars offer a unique playing experience and tonal characteristics. To get the most out of your short scale electric guitar, here are a few tips to consider:
Tip 1: Choose the Right Strings
The type of strings you use can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of your short scale electric guitar. Lighter gauge strings will give you a brighter, twangier sound, while heavier gauge strings will give you a warmer, more mellow sound. Experiment with different string gauges to find the sound that you like best.
Tip 2: Adjust Your Playing Technique
The shorter scale length of short scale electric guitars means that you may need to adjust your playing technique slightly. For example, you may need to use a lighter touch when picking or strumming, and you may need to be more precise with your fretting hand. With a little practice, you’ll be able to adapt your technique to the shorter scale length and get the most out of your guitar.
Tip 3: Experiment with Different Pickups
The pickups in your electric guitar play a major role in determining the sound of your guitar. If you’re not happy with the sound of your short scale electric guitar, try experimenting with different pickups. Single-coil pickups will give you a brighter, more twangy sound, while humbucker pickups will give you a warmer, more mellow sound.
Tip 4: Use a Short Scale Amp
Short scale electric guitars are often paired with short scale amplifiers. Short scale amps are designed to complement the tonal characteristics of short scale guitars, and they can help you to get the most out of your guitar’s sound. If you’re using a full-size amp with your short scale guitar, you may need to adjust the EQ settings to get the sound that you want.
Tip 5: Have Your Guitar Set Up by a Professional
Having your guitar set up by a professional can help to ensure that it is playing its best. A professional setup will include adjusting the intonation, action, and truss rod. A properly set up guitar will be easier to play and will sound better.
Summary
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your short scale electric guitar. Short scale electric guitars offer a unique playing experience and tonal characteristics, and they can be a great choice for a wide range of players.
Transition
Now that you know more about short scale electric guitars, you can start exploring the different models and brands that are available. With a little research, you’re sure to find the perfect short scale electric guitar for your needs.
Conclusion
Short scale electric guitars offer a unique playing experience and tonal characteristics that set them apart from traditional electric guitars. They are easier to play, have a warmer, mellower tone, and are often more affordable than traditional electric guitars. This makes them a great choice for beginners, players with smaller hands or shorter reach, and players who are looking for a versatile and affordable instrument.
If you are considering buying an electric guitar, a short scale electric guitar is a great option to consider. They offer a unique combination of playability, tone, and affordability that is hard to beat. With a little research, you can find the perfect short scale electric guitar for your needs.
