How Many Frets Are On A Full-Size Acoustic Guitar?

There’s nothing quite like playing an acoustic guitar; with its unique sound and various applications, it is truly an experience. But there are so many different kinds of acoustic guitars out there, all with a different sound. This is partially due to the number of frets on the fretboard, so how many frets are there on a full-size acoustic? Let’s find out!

There are generally 20 frets on a full-size acoustic guitar, which slowly decrease in size starting from the headstock to the body of the guitar. In reality, there are about 15 playable frets (depending on the size of your hands), as the last 6 frets are situated on the guitar’s body and are harder to reach.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of acoustic guitars (according to their size), what the frets on a guitar are there for, and how many frets there are on a full-size acoustic guitar. Let’s get started!

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Table Of Contents show

What is a Full-Size Guitar?

A full-size guitar is a guitar that is designed to be played by adults or older children with larger hands and longer arms. The term “full-size” generally refers to guitars that are about 39 inches in length from the headstock to the bottom of the body.

Full-size guitars typically have a standard-sized neck and fretboard and are suitable for a wide range of playing styles, including strumming, fingerpicking, and soloing. Full-size guitars are available in a variety of styles, including acoustic, electric, and classical, and are often the preferred choice for intermediate and advanced players.

There are many different types of acoustic guitars of varying sizes and in order to understand what constitutes a ‘full-size’ guitar, you need to have a basic understanding of the other guitar sizes that are out there. We will briefly discuss each of the guitar sizes now.

Mini Guitar

Mini guitars are either half or ¾ the size of a standard guitar and were specifically designed to be used by children who are starting to learn to play the guitar. Some people also use them as travel guitars since they have more of a standard guitar shape.

Travel Guitar

Travel guitars are the smallest and cheapest acoustic guitar variation available on the market. They are slightly smaller than mini guitars and designed for traveling performers who need something lightweight and small to carry around.

Classical Guitar

Classical guitars (also known as Spanish guitars) are nylon-string acoustic guitars mostly used for classical and Spanish music styles. They are sized between a mini and concert guitar.

Concert Guitar

Concert guitars are part of the six-string acoustic guitar family that uses steel strings. They are somewhat larger than classical guitars and are mostly used as part of a band concert performance.

Grand Concert Guitar

Grand concert guitars are also part of the acoustic concert guitar family, but these are louder than regular concert guitars because they are also larger. This size guitar is most often used by those who play fingerstyle because of the fact that you don’t need to pick very hard to get a loud sound from this guitar.

Auditorium/Grand Performance Guitar

Auditorium guitars have a similarly shaped body to the grand concert guitars; however, they are slightly larger and have a thinner body.

Grand Auditorium Guitar

Grand auditorium guitars are similar in size to dreadnought style guitars (sometimes slightly larger); however, they are not the same shape. These guitars have narrower waists than dreadnoughts, but they can still produce a lovely and loud sound. These are excellent all-round guitars for various playing styles, including strumming, flat-picking, and fingerstyle.

Dreadnought/Full-Size Guitar

Dreadnought guitars (also called full-size guitars) are the most common size of guitar on the market for adults, as it is the most comfortable for most to play on (in terms of neck width). They are great for people who play strumming or flat-picking styles, not necessarily for those who play fingerstyle. This is also not the best for people of smaller stature or who have smaller hands, as it may not be so easy for them to play.

Jumbo Guitar

This is by far the largest size guitar readily available on the market (as the name might suggest). They are quite a bit larger than both dreadnought and grand auditorium guitars, with some even having a bout width of 17 inches (~ 43 cm). They are also quite a bit pricier than other guitars due to their size, but they have a loud and powerful sound, perfect for players with strong strumming playing styles.

Full-Size Acoustic Guitar: What do Frets Do?

A fret is a raised section on the neck of a guitar that extends across the full width of the neck. Nowadays, they are strips of metal that are set into the fretboard that is placed on the guitar’s neck.

Frets divide the guitar’s neck into sections that represent one musical semitone in the standard western system. In this system, one octave is divided into twelve sections, and the guitars are fretted accordingly. Thus, the guitarist’s neck will have between one and two octaves that can be played by the guitarist.

Frets indicate to the player where they should place their fingers on the fretboard to play a particular musical note accurately. This is because by pressing a guitar string against a fret, players are decreasing its vibrating length, and in turn, changing the sound it produces.

How Many Frets are on a Full-Size Acoustic Guitar?

The number of frets on a full-size acoustic guitar can vary, but the most common number of frets is 20. This includes 14 frets that are located on the guitar’s neck and 6 frets that extend onto the guitar’s body.

However, some acoustic guitars may have more or fewer frets, depending on the specific model and design. It’s important to note that the number of frets does not necessarily determine the quality or playability of a guitar, as other factors such as the quality of the wood, the construction, and the setup can also play a significant role.

The space between frets starts out quite large near the headstock of the guitar but becomes less the closer one moves to the guitar’s body. Part of the fretboard is laid over the top of the body of the guitar, meaning that the last 6 (i.e., the 15th to 20th) frets are on the body of the guitar.

The 15th fret is situated right where the neck and body meet, meaning that you still can play a chord on it, but after that, it might get quite tricky to press down on the strings. So if you were to classify the number of frets on a guitar by the number of frets you can actually play on, a full-size acoustic guitar would have 15 frets.

However, the number of frets a dreadnought guitar has is not a fixed number. It is entirely up to the manufacturer to choose how many frets they want to put on each of their guitars, and thus you may find some acoustic guitars that are classified as “full-size” guitars that have either less or more than 20 frets on their fretboards (Question: Do acoustic guitars have less frets than electric?). This doesn’t happen very often, though, so you will find that most standard dreadnought guitars have 20 frets.

The space between individual fret wires is also not a set thing and will vary from guitar to guitar. These differences will affect the way a note sounds when it is played, as the position of your finger moves along with the position of the fret wire. So it is best to try out a few different guitars from various manufacturers to find the one whose sound you like best.

Full-Size Acoustic Guitar: Conclusion

Nowadays, there are so many different types and sizes of acoustic guitars on the market, sometimes it can get confusing when deciding which one to choose. Remember that the guitar’s size will influence the number of frets on the neck, and in turn, affect the way the guitar sounds. Full-sized guitars are the most commonly used type of guitar for adults and usually have 20 frets on their fretboards, giving them a nicely balanced sound.

Full-Size Acoustic Guitar: FAQs

What size is a full size acoustic guitar?

A full size acoustic guitar typically measures around 40-42 inches in length from the headstock to the bottom of the body. This is considered to be a standard size for an adult guitar player, with a full-sized neck and fretboard.

Is a full size guitar good for beginners?

A full size guitar can be a good choice for a beginner, especially if they are an adult or older child with larger hands and arms. It’s important to choose a guitar that is comfortable to play and fits the individual’s body type, so some beginners may prefer a smaller size guitar.

What is a full acoustic guitar?

A full acoustic guitar is a guitar that is designed to be played without the need for an amplifier or other electronic equipment. It typically has a hollow body and sound hole, which allows the sound to resonate naturally and produce a full, rich tone.

Is a full size guitar better than a 3/4?

Whether a full size guitar or a 3/4 size guitar is better depends on the individual’s body type and playing style. A full size guitar may be more comfortable and easier to play for an adult or older child with larger hands and arms, while a 3/4 size guitar may be better suited for a younger child or someone with a smaller body frame.

What size acoustic guitar is best for adults?

For adults, a full size acoustic guitar is typically the best choice, as it is designed to fit the average adult body type and provide a comfortable playing experience. However, it’s important to try out different sizes and styles of guitars to find the one that is the most comfortable and suitable for the individual’s needs.

Do adults play 3/4 guitars?

Some adults may prefer to play a 3/4 size guitar if they have a smaller body frame or prefer a more compact instrument. However, for most adults, a full size guitar is typically the best choice.

What age should you switch to full size guitar?

The age at which someone should switch to a full size guitar depends on their body size and development. As a general rule, most children are able to switch to a full size guitar around the age of 12-14, although some may be able to switch earlier or later depending on their individual needs.

What size guitar does Ed Sheeran use?

Ed Sheeran is known for playing a custom Martin LX1E “Little Martin” guitar, which is a smaller size guitar designed for travel and portability.

Should a beginner get an expensive guitar?

For a beginner, it’s generally not necessary to purchase an expensive guitar, as a more affordable instrument can still provide a good playing experience and help the individual develop their skills. However, it’s important to choose a guitar that is well-made and comfortable to play, as this can help motivate the beginner to continue practicing and playing.

What is the most popular acoustic guitar size?

The most popular acoustic guitar size is the dreadnought, which is a full size guitar with a larger body and sound hole that produces a full, rich tone.

Is a concert guitar a full-size guitar?

A concert guitar is typically a smaller size than a full size guitar, with a body that is more compact and less deep. However, the neck and fretboard are typically the same size as a full size guitar, making it suitable for adult players.

Is a dreadnought guitar full-size?

Yes, a dreadnought guitar is typically considered to be a full size guitar, with a larger body and sound hole that produces a full, rich tone.

What size guitar should I get for my height?

The size of guitar that is best for an individual’s height depends on their body size and development. As a general rule, a full size guitar is typically the best choice for most adult players, regardless of their height. However, it’s important to try out different sizes and styles of guitars to find the one that is the most comfortable and suitable for the individual’s needs.

What is the most popular guitar size?

The most popular guitar size is the dreadnought, which is a full size guitar with a larger body and sound hole that produces a full, rich tone. However, other guitar sizes such as the concert, auditorium, and parlor are also popular among players.

Do you need big hands to be good at guitar?

While having larger hands can be an advantage for some guitar techniques, it is not necessary to have big hands to be good at playing guitar. With practice and proper technique, players of all hand sizes can develop the necessary skills to play guitar effectively.

Does Taylor Swift use a full size guitar?

Taylor Swift has been known to play a variety of guitars throughout her career, including full size acoustic guitars from Martin and Gibson. She has also been seen playing smaller size guitars, such as the Baby Taylor, which is a 3/4 size guitar designed for travel and portability.

Is 38 inch guitar good for adults?

A 38 inch guitar is typically considered to be a 3/4 size guitar, which may be suitable for smaller adults or those with a smaller body frame. However, for most adult players, a full size guitar is typically the best choice.

What is the difference between a parlor guitar and a full size guitar?

The main difference between a parlor guitar and a full size guitar is the size and shape of the body. A parlor guitar is typically smaller and more compact than a full size guitar, with a smaller sound hole and a more intimate tone. Parlor guitars are often preferred by fingerstyle players and those who play in smaller settings.

Is a 38 inch acoustic guitar full size?

No, a 38 inch acoustic guitar is typically considered to be a 3/4 size guitar, which may be suitable for smaller adults or those with a smaller body frame.

What is the difference between 38 inch and 41 inch guitar?

The main difference between a 38 inch guitar and a 41 inch guitar is the size and scale length of the instrument. A 38 inch guitar is typically smaller and may have a shorter scale length, while a 41 inch guitar is typically a full size guitar with a longer scale length and larger body.

Does size of acoustic guitar matter?

Yes, the size of an acoustic guitar can affect the comfort and playability of the instrument. It’s important to choose a guitar that is the appropriate size for the individual’s body type and playing style, as this can help reduce discomfort and improve overall playing ability.

Are cheap acoustic guitars harder to play?

Cheap acoustic guitars may be harder to play if they are poorly constructed or have not been set up properly. However, a well-made and properly set up affordable guitar can provide a good playing experience for beginners and intermediate players.

What are the two types of acoustic guitars?

The two main types of acoustic guitars are steel-string acoustic guitars and classical guitars. Steel-string acoustic guitars are typically used for folk, rock, and pop music, while classical guitars are used for classical and flamenco music.

What are the three main types of acoustic guitars?

The three main types of acoustic guitars are dreadnought, auditorium, and concert guitars. These types of guitars vary in size, shape, and tone, and are designed to suit different playing styles and genres of music.

Does finger size matter for guitar?

Finger size can affect the ease of playing certain chords and techniques on guitar, but it is not a limiting factor for learning and playing the instrument. With practice and proper technique, players of all finger sizes can develop the necessary skills to play guitar effectively.

How long should I practice guitar each day as a beginner?

As a beginner, it’s important to establish a regular practice routine to develop good playing habits and build skills. A good starting point is to aim for at least 30 minutes of practice per day, gradually increasing the duration as skills and endurance improve.

What type of guitar should a beginner buy?

For a beginner, it’s important to choose a guitar that is comfortable to play, well-made, and suits their musical interests and playing style. Steel-string acoustic guitars and classical guitars are both popular choices for beginners, and it’s important to try out different sizes and styles to find the one that is the most suitable.

What is the difference between semi and full acoustic guitar?

The main difference between a semi-acoustic guitar and a full acoustic guitar is the construction of the body. A semi-acoustic guitar has a hollow body with a solid block of wood running down the center, while a full acoustic guitar has a fully hollow body with no center block. This difference in construction affects the tone and sustain of the instrument.

Overall, choosing the right size and style of guitar is an important part of developing good playing habits and enjoying the process of learning and playing music. With the right instrument and plenty of practice, anyone can become a skilled guitar player.