Multiscale Guitars: What They Are and Who They Help

What Is a Multiscale Guitar?

A guitar's scale length is the vibrating length of the strings, from nut to bridge. Most guitars use a single scale length for all six strings. As Martin's acoustic guitar types guide points out, some models differ only by scale length, like the 000 and OM. A multiscale guitar, often called a fanned fret guitar, gives each string its own scale length. The bass strings get a longer scale, and the treble strings get a shorter one.

The nut and bridge are slanted, and the frets fan out to connect them. The result is that each string is tuned to its own ideal tension. Low strings stay taut without feeling like cables, while high strings remain flexible enough for easy bends. This design is common on extended-range guitars and basses.

How Fanned Frets Work

On a multiscale guitar, the bridge saddles are staggered, and the nut is angled. Each string's length is set individually, and the fret positions are calculated to work across all strings at their respective scales. This is why the frets form a diagonal pattern that gradually shifts from the bass side to the treble side.

String tension depends on length, gauge, and pitch. Martin's acoustic strings guide explains that string construction and core type affect how a set feels under your fingers. A longer scale length naturally increases tension for a given pitch. On a multiscale, the low strings receive extra length, so they feel firm even in dropped tunings. The high strings are shorter, which allows a slinkier feel and a more comfortable reach for fretting hand stretches.

This is closely related to the concept of guitar scale length and guitar string tension. Understanding these basics helps you see why multiscale works.

Multiscale vs. Straight Scale

The main advantage of a straight scale is simplicity. Every fret is perpendicular to the neck, and the strings all have the same tension if the gauges are balanced. This makes playing chords and using standard technique straightforward. For many styles, especially blues, rock, and country on a 6-string, a traditional scale is perfectly fine.

Multiscale starts to show its strengths when you need more from the low strings. On a 7- or 8-string guitar, a standard long scale like 27 inches can make the high strings feel stiff, while a shorter scale makes the low strings flabby. A multiscale splits the difference. The bass side might be 27 inches, and the treble side 25.5 inches, giving you the best of both worlds. This is why multiscale is so common on extended-range guitars.

For players who only use a standard 6-string in standard tuning, multiscale may not offer a huge advantage. But if you are curious, you can look at best 6-string guitars and see that multiscale models are available for that format too.

Who Benefits from Multiscale?

Multiscale guitars are popular among players who push the low end. The design solves tension issues that arise when you tune down or add more strings. Here are the main groups that benefit:

• Players of 7- and 8-string guitars who need tight low B and F# strings.
• Bassists who want even tension across all strings, especially on five- and six-string basses.
• Guitarists who regularly drop tune their 6-string for heavy genres.
• Players who find long standard scales too stretchy for the high strings.
• Anyone looking for more precise intonation across the fretboard.

Multiscale on Bass

Bass guitars often have longer scale lengths anyway. A standard 34-inch scale is already tight, but when you add a fifth string with a low B, tension can get uneven. Multiscale basses use a longer length for that low B, often 35 inches, while the treble strings remain around 34 inches. This makes every string feel balanced, which is valuable for bassists who play fast or slap techniques.

The same principle applies to six-string basses with a low F# or a high C. Without multiscale, the low string can sound muddy and the high strings can feel too thin. With a fanned fret design, each string gets its own ideal tension. If you are shopping for a new bass, you might want to check the best bass guitars guide to see how multiscale options compare on paper.

Adapting Your Technique

The biggest change you will notice is in your fretting hand. Because the frets are angled, you have to adjust the position of your hand as you move from the low strings to the high strings. On the low bass strings, your hand naturally shifts toward the headstock; on the high treble strings, it moves toward the bridge. This is not difficult, but it does require a bit of practice.

Your picking hand also needs attention. The bridge is slanted, so each string has a slightly different anchor point. Picking close to the bridge on the bass strings will give you a brighter tone, while picking closer to the neck will be warmer. Many players find that after a week or two, the new geometry becomes second nature. If you are still learning basic guitar setup, you might want to read about neck shapes and feel and guitar action and setup to understand how a multiscale changes the setup.

If you plan to switch from a standard guitar, consider trying a multiscale before you buy. Many stores have demo models, but if you can't, look for online spec comparisons that list scale lengths for each string. Our guide to best 7 or 8 string guitars includes such details.

Intonation and Tuning Stability

Intonation is about making sure each note is in tune across the fretboard. On a standard guitar, you set intonation by moving the bridge saddle forward or backward until the open string and the 12th fret are both in tune. On a multiscale, this is even easier to adjust because each string has its own scale length, so the compensation range is larger.

The longer bass strings also hold better pitch when you bend them or use a whammy bar, because the tension is more consistent. This is especially helpful for guitarists who use lower tunings, like drop C or drop B. If you want to understand more about tuning systems, our article on guitar scale and tuning explains the relationship between scale length and pitch.

How to Choose a Multiscale Guitar

Think about the number of strings. Multiscale designs are most common on 7- and 8-string guitars and five-string basses. If you play a standard 6-string but want the feel, multiscale 6-string models also exist. Consider the scale spread: some designs have a mild fan, while others have a larger difference between bass and treble. Try different models to see what feels comfortable.

Also evaluate the neck profile and body shape. As Martin's wood guide explains, tonewoods influence sound, but multiscale is primarily about geometry and playability. Focus on how the guitar feels in your hands and whether the fan matches your playing style. Once you narrow down your preferences, our guides can help you compare options: check out best 7 or 8 string guitars and best bass guitars, and best 6-string guitars.

For a deeper look at how scale length interacts with body size and tuning, you can also read our article on guitar scale and body size. If you are considering a baritone guitar, which is a different approach to getting low notes, our comparison of baritone vs standard guitar will help you decide.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do multiscale guitars use special strings?

No, they use standard string sets. You may need to select a set with balanced tension or gauge, but any quality strings will work. The multiscale geometry does not require specialty strings.

Are multiscale guitars hard to play?

There is a natural adjustment period because of the angled frets. Many players adapt within a few sessions. Your fretting hand will learn to shift slightly as you move across the neck. It is not harder to play, just different.

What scale lengths do multiscale guitars use?

There is no single standard. Manufacturers design the fan to suit the instrument's tuning and number of strings. Generally, the bass side is longer than the treble side, but exact values vary. For example, a 7-string might have a 27-inch bass scale and a 25.5-inch treble scale.

Can I drop tune a multiscale guitar?

Yes, that is one of the main reasons players choose them. The longer bass scale keeps tension consistent when you lower the pitch of the low strings, so you get a tight, defined sound even in tunings like drop C or drop B.

Do multiscale guitars intonate better?

They can, especially on the low strings where intonation is often hardest to achieve. Since each string has its own scale length, the compensation at the bridge is more precise. This helps chords sound more in tune across the fretboard.