Guitar Fret Count: How Many Frets Do You Need?

What fret count means for playability

Fret count refers to the number of frets along the neck, which determines the highest pitch you can play. The point where the neck joins the body is often the final accessible fret, unless a cutaway removes the body material beyond that point. For example, classical guitars typically join the neck at the 12th fret, while many steel-string acoustic models join at the 14th fret, as noted in Martin's acoustic guitar types guide. That difference affects how easily you can reach upper positions. On a non-cutaway guitar, the body physically blocks your hand from moving beyond the neck joint, so the fret at the joint becomes the practical ceiling for your left hand.

On electric guitars, the body is thinner and often has a deeper cutaway, allowing the neck to extend farther. Many electric models are designed with a neck that reaches a higher fret, giving players access to notes two octaves above the open string. The exact number of frets varies by model and brand, but the key is that a guitar with more accessible frets gives you more room to play high melodies and solos without shifting your hand to an uncomfortable angle.

Neck joint and cutaway design

The neck joint is the physical limit for most acoustic guitars. A cutaway shifts that limit higher by carving out a section of the upper bout. This lets you move your hand beyond the 14th fret on a cutaway acoustic, which is why cutaways are common on acoustic-electrics and guitars for lead playing. On non-cutaway bodies, the highest playable fret is typically the 12th or 14th, depending on the model. For more detail, see our article on cutaways.

The shape of the cutaway also matters. A single cutaway (like a Venetian or Florentine) removes material from the upper bout on the treble side, giving access to the highest frets while leaving the lower bout intact. A double cutaway goes further and is more common on electric guitars, allowing easier access to the neck even when playing in the highest registers. If you plan to play lead lines that climb past the 12th fret, a cutaway is not just a convenience; it is the difference between reaching those notes and having to compromise with a different voicing.

Acoustic vs electric guitar differences

Acoustic guitars, with their deep bodies, usually limit access to the upper frets. Classical and traditional acoustics often stop at the 12th or 14th fret. Electric guitars have thinner bodies, so many are designed with a neck that extends to a higher fret count. This is why shredders and lead guitarists favor electric models. However, some acoustic-electrics with a cutaway can also reach the same range. The key is the combination of fret count and cutaway design, not just the number of frets alone. A thick dreadnought without a cutaway will almost always stop at the 14th fret, while a thinline acoustic with a cutaway might give you a few extra frets.

There is also a difference in scale length between acoustics and electrics, which affects fret spacing. A longer scale length, like you find on many acoustic dreadnoughts, places the frets farther apart, making stretches wider and requiring more hand movement to reach the upper frets. Electric guitars often have a shorter scale, which brings the frets closer together and makes it easier to navigate the high positions. If you are considering both types, think about which feels more natural in your hands. For a deeper look, see scale length explained.

How your playing style affects the choice

If you play open chords and strumming, the lower frets are your home. You rarely need to go past the 12th fret, so a classical or standard acoustic with a 12th or 14th fret join will feel comfortable. If you play solos, bends, and high melodic lines, you need access to the upper frets. Look for a guitar with a cutaway and an extended fretboard. A solid-body electric is often the best fit because the body doesn't block your hand. For ergonomic details, see neck shapes and feel.

Your hand size and finger length also play a role. Players with smaller hands may find it easier to navigate a guitar with a shorter scale and closer fret spacing. Conversely, players with larger hands might prefer the extra room that a longer scale provides. It is worth visiting a store just to feel the difference, but if you are buying online, pay attention to the scale length and the number of frets in the specifications.

The genre you play is also a factor. Jazz guitarists often use hollow-body electrics with a cutaway and typically stay within the first 15 to 17 frets. Rock and metal players might want 24 frets for certain solos and two-octave scales. However, many classic rock solos do not go past the 14th fret, so do not assume you need the maximum fret count. Think about the actual repertoire you are likely to play.

• Consider how often you play above the 12th fret.
• Think about whether you need a cutaway to reach higher positions.
• Test the neck joint: the fret where the body begins is a natural stopping point.
• Remember that electric guitars typically offer more accessible frets than acoustics.
• If you are a beginner, prioritize comfort over extreme fret access; you can always upgrade later.
• Bring a familiar riff with you when you try a guitar and see if you can play it comfortably in the upper positions.

Other neck factors to consider

Fret count works with scale length, fretboard radius, and fret size to shape playability. A longer scale length places frets farther apart, making stretches bigger but allowing higher string tension. A flatter radius can make bends easier. Larger frets can reduce finger fatigue. All of these affect how comfortable it is to reach the upper frets. See scale length explained and guitar fretboard radius.

The wood used for the neck and fretboard also influences feel and sustain. Dense woods often produce a more focused sound with longer sustain, while lighter woods can offer a softer response, as explained in Martin's wood guide. This is worth considering when you are trying to match a guitar to your playing style. A neck made of mahogany, for example, may have a different feel compared to maple, even if both have the same fret count. The neck profile (whether it is a C shape, V shape, or U shape) also determines how your hand wraps around the fretboard. A thinner profile might make it easier to reach high frets because your hand does not have to stretch as far around the neck.

Fret size is another factor. Jumbo frets stand taller and wider, which can make bending easier and give your fingers more room to grip the string. Vintage-style frets are shorter and narrower, which some players prefer for a more traditional feel. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the upper registers, a taller fret can help you press down without extra force. For more on this, see guitar fret sizes.

How to test fret accessibility in a store

When you try a guitar, spend a few minutes playing scales and licks that climb up the neck. Start on the 5th fret and work your way up to the highest fret you can reach. Notice where your thumb has to move and how much your wrist has to bend. A good guitar should let you reach the last accessible fret without excessive strain. If you find yourself twisting your arm or shifting your grip dramatically, the guitar may not be the right fit for lead playing.

Also test whether the neck joint is comfortable. On an acoustic with a cutaway, run your hand from the 12th to the 15th fret. Does the cutaway allow a clean path? On an electric, check if you can fret the highest note without your palm hitting the body. This is especially important if you like to play with your thumb on the back of the neck in a classical-style position. If you are a beginner, you might not even need to go past the 12th fret, but having the option later is a nice bonus.

What to pick

There is no single correct fret count for everyone. The right choice depends on your repertoire and how often you play above the 12th fret. If you rarely go that high, a standard acoustic with a 14-fret join is perfectly adequate. If you live in the upper register, prioritize a cutaway electric with a large fretboard. Use the table below to match your needs.

Some manufacturers have built models specifically for instrumental rock guitarists. For example, Ibanez collaborated with players such as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani and brought out the JEM, JS, RG, and S models, which are widely used for electric lead playing. Those guitars are designed with extended fret access in mind, though the exact number of frets varies by model. When you look at a guitar's specs, you will often see a number like 21, 22, or 24, but do not fixate on that alone. What matters is how easily you can play the notes you actually use.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do I need 24 frets to play lead guitar?

You can play many classic solos without going past the 14th fret. The highest frets are mainly used for very high bends and two-octave arpeggios. Many iconic solos stay within the range up to the 14th fret. Unless you are playing modern metal or neoclassical pieces that require those extreme notes, 21 or 22 frets are often enough.

What is the difference between a 20-fret and 22-fret guitar?

The difference is the highest available note and how far you can move your hand past the neck joint. More frets require a deeper cutaway on an acoustic and a longer neck on an electric. In practice, the extra two frets give you access to a few notes that might appear in solos, but they also change the placement of the neck pickup on an electric, which can slightly affect tone.

Does fret count affect tone?

Fret count does not directly alter the core tone the way body wood or scale length does. It does affect where the neck pickup is placed on an electric, which can change the pickup's sound. However, the main impact is playability. A guitar with more frets allows you to play higher notes without shifting your hand as much, but the tone of those notes is determined by the guitar's construction and electronics.

Can I play high notes without a cutaway?

On a non-cutaway acoustic, the body blocks your hand above the 12th or 14th fret. You can still play the frets up to the join, but you cannot go beyond. A cutaway is required to reach higher positions. On an electric, the body is thinner, so sometimes you can reach the last fret even without a cutaway, but the shape of the body still matters.

Is a guitar with extra frets better for beginners?

Not necessarily. Beginners usually focus on chords and basic techniques that stay below the 12th fret. A guitar with a comfortable neck and correct scale length is more important than extra frets. Extra frets can actually be a distraction if you are not ready to use them. Focus on getting a guitar that feels easy to play and sounds good to you.