When it comes to electric guitars, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right instrument for your playing style and preferences. One key consideration is the number of frets on the guitar.
While most electric guitars have either 22 or 24 frets, the difference between the two can be significant.
Here’s an overview of how 22 and 24 fret guitars differ:
- 22 fret guitars have 22 frets, while 24 fret guitars have 24 frets.
- 24 fret guitars allow for a greater range of notes at the top of the neck.
- 24 fret guitars typically have a slightly longer neck to accommodate the additional frets.
- The additional frets on a 24 fret guitar can affect the tone and resonance of the instrument.
- 22 fret guitars are often associated with blues, rock, and jazz styles, while 24 fret guitars are more commonly used in metal and shred styles.
In this blog post, we’ll explore in detail the differences between 22 and 24 fret electric guitars, and provide some guidance on choosing the right option for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, understanding the differences between these two types of guitars can help you make an informed decision and find the perfect instrument to suit your playing style.
22 vs 24 Fret: Should you get a guitar with 22 or 24 frets?
The decision to choose between a 22 fret or 24 fret guitar ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style. A 22 fret guitar can offer a warmer and more vintage tone, while a 24 fret guitar provides a greater range of notes and is often preferred for high-gain styles.
22 fret and 24 fret guitars both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style. Here are some pros and cons for each:
22 fret guitars (Best One To Buy)
Pros:
- Generally have a warmer and more vintage tone
- Often preferred for playing blues, rock, and jazz styles
- Shorter neck can be more comfortable for players with smaller hands
Cons:
- Limited range of notes compared to 24 fret guitars
- May not be as suitable for playing in higher registers
- May not have the same level of versatility as 24 fret guitars
Best 22 fret guitar to buy on Amazon: Fender Player Stratocaster
24 fret guitars (Best One To Buy)
Pros:
- Greater range of notes and versatility
- Often preferred for playing metal, shred, and other high-gain styles
- Longer neck can provide more sustain and better overall tone
Cons:
- Can be less comfortable for players with smaller hands
- Slightly brighter tone may not be ideal for all playing styles
- Additional frets can make the guitar more expensive
Best 24 fret guitar to buy on Amazon: Sawtooth 6 String Heritage
- Sleek and stylish design
- Features active EMG pickups for high-gain sound options
- Comes with Floyd Rose bridge for precision tuning and control
22 vs 24 Fret: Do 22 fret guitars sound different to 24 fret guitars?
The number of frets on a guitar does not inherently affect the sound of the instrument. However, the additional two frets on a 24 fret guitar can provide a greater range of notes, which may affect the way that the guitar is played and the types of music that it is suited for.
Additionally, other factors such as the type of wood used, the pickups, and the amplifier can all have a significant impact on the overall sound of the guitar.
21 fret guitars
While 22 and 24 fret guitars are the most common options available, there are also guitars with 21 frets. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Simpler design can be easier for some players to navigate
- May have a slightly warmer tone due to fewer frets
Cons:
- Limited range of notes compared to 22 or 24 fret guitars
- May not be suitable for certain styles of music that require higher notes
- Can be more difficult to find replacement parts or accessories due to less common design
Best 21 fret guitar to buy on Amazon: Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster Thinline
- Classic Telecaster design with semi-hollow body for versatile tone
- Features two single-coil pickups for classic Telecaster sound
- Vintage-style bridge and tuning machines for authentic style and feel
22 vs 24 Fret: Do 22 fret guitars sound better?
The number of frets on a guitar does not inherently make one option sound better than the other. Some guitarists may prefer the warmer tone of a 22 fret guitar due to the slightly shorter neck and different harmonic characteristics, while others may prefer the extended range of a 24 fret guitar.
However, ultimately the decision to choose between a 22 fret or 24 fret guitar should be based on personal preference and playing style, rather than any perceived differences in sound quality.
22 vs 24 Fret: Are 24 fret guitars easier to play?
While a 24 fret guitar may offer a greater range of notes, it also has a longer neck, which can make it less comfortable for players with smaller hands. Conversely, a 22 fret guitar has a slightly shorter neck, which may make it more comfortable for some players to navigate.
However, the decision to choose between a 22 fret or 24 fret guitar ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style, rather than any inherent difficulty or ease of play.
22 vs 24 Fret: What is the difference between PRS 22 and 24?
PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitars are renowned for their high quality and craftsmanship, and they offer both 22 and 24 fret options in their lineup. The main difference between the PRS 22 and 24 is the number of frets on the guitar, with the 24 fret option providing an extended range of notes. However, there are some other differences worth noting:
- The PRS 24 typically has a longer neck and a slightly larger body compared to the PRS 22.
- The PRS 22 may have a slightly warmer tone due to the shorter neck and different harmonic characteristics, while the PRS 24 may have a brighter tone due to the additional two frets.
- The PRS 24 may be more suited for high-gain styles of music, as it provides greater access to higher notes and can handle faster playing.
- The PRS 22 may be more suitable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more vintage-style tone.
Do you really need 24 frets?
Whether or not a guitarist needs 24 frets on their guitar ultimately depends on their playing style and the music they wish to play. The additional two frets on a 24 fret guitar provide a greater range of notes, making it more suitable for playing high-pitched leads and solos.
However, for those who primarily play rhythm guitar or music that does not require accessing notes beyond the 22nd fret, a 22 fret guitar may be perfectly adequate.
Additionally, some guitarists may prefer the slightly warmer tone and shorter neck of a 22 fret guitar.
How Many Frets Does A Gibson Les Paul have?
A standard Gibson Les Paul guitar typically has 22 frets. This is the most common number of frets found on most electric guitars, including the Les Paul model. However, some models may have a different number of frets, such as the Les Paul Custom which has 24 frets.
Do any Les Pauls have 24 frets?
Traditionally, Les Paul guitars have been produced with 22 frets. However, there are some Les Paul models that have been designed with 24 frets, providing an extended range of notes for players who require it.
One example is the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard, which features a 24 frets design and a contoured heel for easy access to the upper frets.
Another example is the Gibson Les Paul DC Pro, which also features 24 frets and a slim-taper neck for fast playing.
These models are less common than the traditional 22 fret Les Pauls, but they provide a useful option for players who require the additional range of notes.
Is a 24 fret guitar a baritone?
A 24 fret guitar is not necessarily a baritone guitar. A baritone guitar typically has a longer scale length and a lower tuning than a standard guitar, while a 24 fret guitar simply provides an extended range of notes without necessarily changing the scale length or tuning.
However, some guitarists may use a 24 fret guitar with a lower tuning to achieve a similar sound to a baritone guitar. Ultimately, the designation of a guitar as a baritone or not depends on the specific instrument’s scale length and tuning, rather than the number of frets it has.
Why don’t Strats have 24 frets?
The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic electric guitars in history, known for its distinctive sound and playability. However, it has traditionally been produced with 21 or 22 frets, rather than 24. The reason for this is that the Stratocaster has a distinctive shape and design, with a curved body and a single cutaway that makes it difficult to extend the fretboard beyond the 21st or 22nd fret without sacrificing some of the guitar’s signature features, such as the comfortable forearm contour and the easy access to the upper frets.
Additionally, many Stratocaster players prefer the vintage-style tone and feel of a guitar with fewer frets, making it less necessary for Fender to offer a 24 fret option. Ultimately, the decision to choose a Stratocaster with 21 or 22 frets versus a guitar with more frets depends on the individual player’s preferences and playing style.
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