ChasingGuitars

What is your guitar’s scale and why does it matter? I will attempt to answer these questions and more.

I recently was chatting with a friend that has been playing the guitar for a few decades. I mentioned that Fender guitars generally have a longer scale than Gibson guitars and was explaining how this contributed to the way the guitar played and sounded. My friend was quite surprised that some guitars EVEN had different scale lengths. He could not fathom how it would affect anything, especially sound.

I have read on guitar forums and watched some YouTube videos claiming scale length, an electric guitar’s design and materials used to build the instrument do not matter… Only the pickups mattered! Even some very intelligent and knowledgable players actually believe this. Some acknowledge that it matters with acoustic guitars, but claim the pickups on an electric guitar is all you needed to be concerned about. The Internet has a way of perpetuating information that is sometimes not all together correct. I am here to tell you, when it comes to the way a guitar plays and especially the way it sounds…. EVERYTHING MATTERS!

Scale is no exception, in fact the scale is what gives your guitar its initial character. If pickups ONLY mattered, all we would need is one body with interchangeable pickups. By the way, attempts have been tried to do just that. What you end up with is the same guitar affecting the sound of the different pickups. Modeling guitars like Line 6 Variax is a nice attempt to make ONE guitar sound like many other guitars, but use digital modeling of sampling REAL guitars… Entirely a different subject.

Fender Stratocaster guitars have a 25.5-inch (648 mm) scale length whereas a Gibson Les Paul has a shorter 24.75 (advertised, more on this later in this article). These Fender guitars generally have single coil pickups and Gibson Les Pauls will have humbuckers. No one ever states that Fender single coil pickups sound anything like a PAF (Patent Applied For) style humbucker, but that is ONLY one part of the reason these guitars sound different… Yes, the Les Paul may use Mahogany for the body and the set neck, the Fenders will likely be Ash or Alder wood bodies with a bolt on maple neck. This of course matters. BUT scale plays an important part in the sound and especially the way the different guitars play. It is NOT just the pickups.

Stratocaster and Les Paul

If we only swapped the pickups between the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul guitars it would not make the Fender Strat sound anything like a Gibson Les Paul or vice versa. I think this notion comes from folks that have their pickups raised up close to their strings, have a large pedalboard with effects turned on going into an amp with a lot gain… This would yield more of the sound of the pickups -> stomp boxes -> cranked amp -> speakers -> room or environment making it hard to hear what guitar model is being used and maybe even if it IS a guitar.

This is NOT how most people play the instrument. No problem if this is what they want to do or what you want to do. But I will point out that the Fender Stratocaster was a huge part of Jimi Hendrix’s sound in the 1960s when he was using all that fuzz and effects into a cranked Marshall stack. It would have sounded quite different if he was using a Gibson Les Paul or a Gretsch!

If you are trying to sound like a certain player (different discussion) you may also find if you bought all the same exact gear you still will not sound like your guitar hero… You will usually sound like YOU playing your hero’s guitar and gear… No amount of guitar design or signal chain can take a way from the player’s technique and their fingers!

The characteristics of scale length cannot really be cheated or tricked.

Scale… What it is and how to measure it?

Any fretted instrument’s scale length including the guitar is the distance between the nut (or zero fret) and the bridge’s saddle. Basically, the “vibrating” length of the strings. This measurement not only determines the placement of the frets for proper intonation, but has a huge effect on string tension, tone, and can affect tuning stability. The actual string length will need to be a bit longer, due to the string being stretched sharp when fretting notes. Remember you are pressing down on the string to fret the note so string action is yet another factor. An amount of “compensation” is required, and this varies with the string diameter and height. The reason for having adjustable bridge saddles or “compensated” saddles.

The zero fret is positioned at the location normally occupied by the nut. The nut is located behind the zero fret and just keeps the strings spaced properly. The strings rest atop the zero fret, which can be higher than the other frets.

The proper way to measure scale is from the inside nut (or zero fret if the guitar has one) to the 12th fret and than double it. So nut to 12th fret X 2. This is the same place where you can check the octave of the open strings when you are checking intonation (more on this later).

Below picture I am measuring a Gibson Les Paul from my collection from nut to 12th fret and it equals 12 5/16-inch with my ruler. If you times this by two it equals 24 5/8-inch or in decimal 24.625 which would be the accurate scale length for my Gibson Les Paul. Not the 24.75 which Gibson advertises. If I measure the Low E string saddle to the nut, I measure 24.75, but this is measurement represents the scale PLUS compensation. Here is where confusion and misinformation likely comes from.

Measuring the string length from the nut to the bridge saddles is an inaccurate way to determine scale as the bridge must “compensate” for different lengths (and thicknesses) for the each string for proper intonation.

Intonation refers to the guitar being in tune along the entire fretboard. An easy way to check the basic intonation of a guitar is to hit a 12th fret harmonic and compare the pitch with a note fretted at the 12th fret. If the fretted note is sharp, the string needs to be lengthened. If flat, shortened. Guitars are basically inaccurate instruments. Compensation is used to try and make the notes fretted along the fretboard to play in tune.

Compensation is lengthening the individual string beyond the scale length. Compensation therefore flattens the note. Pressure of fretting the string, sharpens the note because the pressure adds tension. Since we want the fretted note to be in tune we must “compensate” for the fretted notes played.

Piano strings are different length

The six-string guitar has a range of two octaves between its lowest open string and its highest. This pushes the limits of making a uniform-scale-length stringed instrument. Looking at a harp or a piano you will see these instruments are shaped to accommodate different length strings. The bass strings simply have to be longer than treble strings to play in tune. Violins, violas, mandolins, cellos, double-basses: these all have a range of an octave-and-a-sixth between their highest and their lowest strings which is less than a six string guitar.

Harp strings are also different length

Compensation needs to vary on some instruments. Seven-string guitars and 5-string basses especially struggle between intonation and string tension. Most 4-string electric basses have a 34-inch scale length, while many 5- and 6-string basses have a 35-inch scale length. Which is almost 10-inch longer than most guitars and also use much heavier gauge strings.

Guitar has a fanned fret design

When a fretted instrument needs bass strings longer than the treble strings, design ideas like “fanned” frets have been. Some fanned-fret instruments can sound amazing and said to be more piano-like. Players needs to get used the fanned fret design.

So to accurately measure the scale of a guitar it is best to measure the “vibrating” length of the string from the nut to the 12th fret and times it by two. This will give you the proper and accurate scale without having to allow for the compensation. Using a different method is what probably causes some confusion what is advertised as the scale for a particular guitar.

Guitars are inaccurate instruments at best. Guitar makers have been known to change the bridge placement slightly to “compensate” to allow intonation in the middle of production. It is not unheard of to have the same model guitar from the same maker that measure differently from nut to bridge saddle. I have seen skilled luthiers actually un-glue and slightly reposition bridge on some older acoustic guitars to “compensate” for better intonation. It is a common practice in fact.

This is why to obtain an accurate scale length it is best to use the proper method – measure nut to 12th fret then times by two – equals the scale without compensation. Unfortunately, some guitar makers will advertise a scale length for their guitars that is not accurate.

Gibson Scale Lengths:
The 24.75-inch (24 3/4′ or 628 mm) scale length is commonly quoted as the Gibson scale length. Gibson still advertises this scale length but it is an “abbreviation” to what the scale really is. Gibson guitars actual scale may differ due to compensation and/or changes in their product line and production equipment over time. For example, some Gibson guitars made in the early 50’s had a 24 3/4-inch scale, in 1959 and after they used 24 9/16-inch, in 1969 it was 24 5/8-inch and after 1992 it was 24 9/16-inch again.

Example,if your Gibson measures 12-3/8-inch at the 12th fret, then your guitar’s scale length is twice that, 24.75-inch (24 3/4-inch) scale.

For intonation, the guitar bridge saddle will be placed for adding a bit extra string length. This is done for “compensation.” The actual string length will be a bit longer than the the scale measurement. Compensation varies for the different strings, and that’s why you see the bridge saddle placed at an angle. Also why measuring the entire string length to get scale leads to confusion.

The Gibson advertised scale is gospel to some players, even though it may actually be inaccurate. They add to the confusion in some of the forums by measuring nut to bridge saddle… Some even say to use the low E or the high E for accurate scale measurement!

There is no better scale… Just what works for you and what gives your guitar its initial character sound and feel. My point is scale matters BIG and should not be overlooked. Scale is what makes a Strat a Strat and a Les Paul a Les Paul.

Of course many players really don’t care about what the scale length of the favorite guitar may be. They just know they like the feel and sound it can produce. That is fine, but next I will try to explain how scale matters in the feel, sound and playability.

How does scale affect how the guitar plays and sounds?

Fender Strat with 25.5-inch scale and Gibson Les Paul with 24.75-inch scale are strung with same gauge strings and tuned to normal concert pitch, the shorter scale Gibson will have less tension, resulting in a “looser” feel.

String tension changes with the square of the vibrating length. The unit weight, and hence the tension, can be adjusted by changing the material used for the string or, on wound strings, changing the ratio of core to winding. Consequently ‘heavier” gauge strings can produce “lighter” tension, if they are made for this!

• The longer the scale the more tension for the same gauge strings
• The higher the tension the less a string will vibrate
• Higher tension means tighter strings, the more it produces higher overtones
• Tighter strings sound brighter and have more definition
• Less tension means looser strings
• Looser strings will sound warmer and rounder
• Guitars with less tension need more compensation
• Less vibration of the strings affects how the guitar resonates
• Less vibration of the strings affect how the pickups react within their electro-magnetic field
• Higher tension on the strings is felt when fretting notes
• Shorter scale means slightly less space between the frets

People with smaller hands may be more comfortable playing a guitar with a bit shorter scale. One reason why student model guitars tend to have shorter scales. The Fender Duosonic & Mustang with a short 22.5-inch scale were marketed to young players starting out. Playing stretchy or complex chords can sometimes be a bit easier on a shorter scale. One reason many guitars built with Jazz players in mind may feature a shorter scale.

Higher overtones due the more tension from a longer scale is an overlooked reason why a Fender Strat sounds different than Gibson Les Paul. The Strat has almost a full fret longer scale than a Les Paul, and that’s a big reason why Strat’s sound so clear and bell-like on the bottom end, perhaps harsh on the top end, while Les Paul can sound mushy and a bit less distinct on the low end but warm and round on the top. Helps to understand why swapping a PAF style humbucker on a Strat and even gluing the neck (instead of bolt-on) to the body, still won’t make it sound like a Les Paul.

Single-coil vs. humbucker, ash/alder versus mahogany, bolt-on versus set-neck all of these make a difference. Scale matters just as much!

The scale length affects sound on acoustic instruments as well. A shorter scale acoustic guitar is said to produce a “woody” tone with an overall warm timbre, while a longer scale is perceived as having more power overall, with increased clarity and distinction in the bass registers. Both sounds can be wonderful, and makers like Gibson and Martin for example make similar models in different scale lengths.

Some examples of how scale affects tone and character of your guitar

The non-vibrating parts of the strings can also be a factor in the guitars sound, but we will skip this for this illustration.

As mentioned Fender Stratocaster (or Telecaster) use 25.5-inch scale produces a rich, strong, bell-like tone, and defined low-end.

Gibson Les Paul uses a shorter scale that has gradually changed over the past fifty or so years. The Gibson 24.75-inch (or actually slightly shorter) scale has a lower tension, easier to play and produces a warmer tone. Gibson ‘Byrdland’ guitar uses a 23.5-inch scale built for Jazz players and is a favorite of Ted Nugent!

PRS founder and luthier Paul Reed Smith was looking to capture the harmonic richness of the Fender electric’s tone as well as the fullness, warmth, and playability of the Gibson electric guitars. PRS opted for a scale length of 25-inch, which is in the middle of Fender and Gibson. Interestingly, this scale is also found on Dobro and National guitars. Some of PRS guitars use a different scale as part of the design and characteristics there are trying to achieve like the Santana models, McCarty models and the John Mayer Silver Sky.

Martin uses 25.340-inch on their Dreadnought and OM models. Martin O, OO, OOO use 24.9-inch scale.

Danelectro Baritone Reissue

Baritone guitars tend to be about a 27-inch to 30-inch scale.

Paul McCartney with Hofner short scale bass

Another nice example is Paul McCartney’s short scale 30-inch Hofner bass and later when he moved to the longer scale 34-inch Rickenbacker 4001 bass. Pretty big difference in Sir Paul’s bass tone when he switched!

Paul with his famous Rickenbacker longer scale bass

Hofner and most Danelectro electric bass guitars are short 30-inch scale. The tend to be easier to play for some people, but have a different sound that a Fender Precision, Jazz bass or a Rickenbacker that have a 34-inch scale length. The Hofner or Danelectro sound unique, but can not compete on the power and tone from the longer scale bass guitars.

Scale length – frequency range

Longer scale instruments will have an increased bass output due to the greater string length that allows lower sub-frequencies to develop, and the increased tension means that more energy is transmitted to the vibrating surface or your pickups!

Bass guitars, mandolas, cellos, and upright basses move more air at low frequencies. While mandolins and violins use higher pitched frequencies, have shorter scales to reduce tension to an amount that the string, the instrument and the player can withstand! Look at the 5-string banjo where the 5th string is tuned high and significantly shorter in length.

String tension and gauge

Shorter scale electric guitars will have less string tension and easier playability. Can be an opportunity to get a “thicker” tone utilizing heavier gauge strings. The heavier gauge strings can induce the pickups to create more voltage, resulting in a “thicker” fundamental note, and more output.

Fender American Vintage ’65 Jazzmaster and Jaguar Guitars

Guitars with a shorter scale can generally use higher gauge strings than a guitar with a longer scale for a similar feel. Example is that I use 11s on my Fender Jazzmaster that has a 25.5-inch scale and use 12s on my Fender Jaguar that has a short 24-inch scale. The tension under my fingers feels close between these two guitars.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Some players love thicker strings as they feel it adds to their tone, and the higher tension to their technique. Stevie Ray Vaughan played quite heavy 13 gauge strings on his 25.5-inch scale Fender Strat…. BUT he also tuned down to E-flat to lessen the string tension a bit! Plenty of other players do this as well.