What should my scale length be?
A: There is no ‘normal’ scale length. Different brands and models use different scale lengths. The most common lengths are 24.75″ for most Gibson models and 25.5″ for most Fender models.
How do you calculate scale length?
What is scale length? WHAT IS SCALE LENGTH? A guitar’s scale length is calculated by measuring the distance from the front edge of the nut, where it butts against the end of the fingerboard, to the center of the 12th (octave) fret, then doubling that measurement.
What is the standard guitar scale length?
In the simplest terms, scale length refers to the length of the active/vibrating portion of the open string, between the nut and saddle. Among acoustic guitars, the most common scales are clustered around 25.4–25.5 inches and 24.75 inches.
What is standard electric guitar scale length?
25.5 inches
Electric guitar Most Fender electric guitars, including the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Esquire, and Jazzmaster use a scale length of 25.5 inches (650 mm). A few Fender models such as the Jaguar and Mustang use a scale length of 24 inches (610 mm).
Is a shorter scale length guitar easier to play?
Scale length can have a significant effect on playability. All factors being equal (string gauge, string length beyond the nut and saddle, break angles, and so on), shorter scales produce lower string tension, are more elastic, easier to fret, and require less arm extension.
How much does scale length affect playability?
Strings on longer-scale guitars will feel tighter and firmer than those fitted to one with a short scale. This affects playability. Because the strings on a shorter-scale are under less tension, they are easier to bend and fret.
Are longer scale guitars harder?
Because the strings on a shorter-scale are under less tension, they are easier to bend and fret. The wider fret spacing on longer-scale guitars also means that, depending on the size of your hands, they can be a little more difficult to play than those with a shorter scale.