Expert Guide to Guitar Frets

Ever picked up a guitar and wondered about those thin metal strips running across the neck? Those are your frets, and they’re far more than just decorative lines. They are, in essence, the very architecture of musical notes on your instrument. For any aspiring guitarist, understanding what guitar frets are isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about unlocking the full potential of your instrument.

What are Guitar Frets?

Frets are the guide to playing your instrument. They are thin strips of metal embedded perpendicularly into the wooden fingerboard of your guitar’s neck. Their primary job is to precisely divide the vibrating length of the string, ensuring that when you press a string down just behind a fret, it produces a specific, accurate musical note.

Think of it this way: when you pluck an open string, the entire length from the nut (the small strip at the top of the neck) to the bridge (where the strings anchor on the body) vibrates; this vibration produces its fundamental note. But when you press your finger down just behind the 5th fret, for instance, you’ve effectively shortened the vibrating part of the string. Only the segment from that 5th fret to the bridge now vibrates, resulting in a higher, more clearly defined pitch.

Without frets, you’d be attempting to play a fretless instrument, like an upright bass or a violin, which requires a completely different level of ear training and finger precision to hit notes accurately.

How Many Frets Do Guitars Have?

Acoustic guitars generally have 18 to 20 frets while electric guitars often have 21, 22, or even 24 frets.

Guitar Fret Numbers & Notes on a 24-fret Guitar

For a 6-string instrument, the frets and accompanying notes on the low E (open string/sixth string, the thickest string) are as follows”

• Open string (“0” fret): E
• 1st fret: F 
• 2nd fret: F#/Gb 
• 3rd fret: G 
• 4th fret: G#/Ab 
• 5th fret: A 
• 6th fret: A#/Bb 
• 7th fret: B 
• 8th fret: C 
• 9th fret: C#/Db 
• 10th fret: D 
• 11th fret: D#/Eb 
• 12th fret: E (one octave higher) 

• 13th fret: F
• 14th fret: F#/Gb 
• 15th fret: G
• 16th fret: G#/Ab 
• 17th fret: A
• 18th fret: A#/Bb
• 19th fret: B
• 20th fret: C
• 21st fret: C#/Db 
• 22nd fret: D
• 23rd fret: D#/Db 
• 24th fret: E

How Do Frets Affect Pitch and Tone?

Frets & Pitch

Each fret is positioned according to a precise formula (specifically, the 12th root of 2) that ensures each subsequent fret raises the pitch by exactly one semitone, or half step. This consistent spacing is what allows guitars to be tuned chromatically and play in perfect harmony across the entire fretboard. It’s why an A on the 5th fret of your low E string is always an A, regardless of where you play it on the neck.

Fret & Tone

While pitch is the most obvious effect, frets also subtly influence tone. The material of the fret itself, and its condition, can impart slight tonal characteristics. For example, stainless steel frets are often described as having a brighter, snappier attack compared to the warmer, slightly mellower feel of nickel-silver.

The height and crown (the rounded top) of the fret also play a role. Lower frets can lead to more finger-to-wood contact, which some players feel contributes to a “woodier” tone, while taller frets allow for a lighter touch and less finger drag, often preferred for faster playing and bending notes.

A Closer Look at the Fretboard

The fretboard isn’t just the frets themselves; it’s a carefully engineered system working in concert.

Fret Wires

Fret wires are specifically shaped pieces of metal, with a “tang” (a barbed section that fits into a slot in the fingerboard) and a “crown” (the rounded top that the string presses against). The quality of the fret wire directly impacts playability and intonation. Well-seated, properly crowned frets allow for smooth string bending, clear notes, and comfortable playing.

Fret Markers

Ever wondered how you quickly find your way around the neck of the guitar? That’s where fret markers come in. These are small inlays typically found on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets (and sometimes beyond) of the fingerboard. They serve as visual reference points, helping you orient your fretting hand and quickly locate specific positions without having to count from the nut every time. You’ll also often find smaller “side markers” along the edge of the fingerboard, visible to the player while looking down at the neck.

Fingerboard

The fingerboard, also known as the guitar fretboard, is the smooth strip of wood that sits on top of the guitar’s neck, into which the frets are embedded. It’s the surface your fingers interact with most directly. The type of wood affects the feel and contributes to the guitar’s overall tone and sustain.

Understanding Fret Sizes and Materials

Just like choosing the right tires for your car, choosing the right frets for your playing style can make a significant difference in comfort and performance.

Common Fret Sizes

Vintage/Small Frets

These frets are typically narrower and lower. They offer a direct connection to the fingerboard, which some players feel gives a more intimate experience. However, they can require more finger pressure and make string bending a bit more challenging. These frets are preferred by those who enjoy classic blues and jazz tones.

Medium-Jumbo Frets

A great middle ground popularized by Fender, these frets are slightly wider and taller than vintage frets. They offer a good balance of comfort for chording and ease of bending. Many modern guitars come with medium-jumbo frets as a versatile choice for various styles.

Jumbo Frets

These massive frets require less finger pressure to fret notes cleanly, making bends and vibrato fluid and easy. Your fingers tend to glide over the fretboard rather than pressing into it. This size is often favored by shredders and rock guitarists who prioritize speed and effortless bending. The downside can be that it’s easier to accidentally push the string sharp if you press too hard, as your finger isn’t stopping on the wood.

Fret Materials

The material of your frets isn’t just about looks; it impacts durability and, subtly, tone. The vast majority are metal frets, composed of materials like nickel-silver, stainless steel, and Evo gold. Nickel-silver and stainless steel frets are common choices for beginner guitar players.

How to Take Care of Guitar Frets

Well-maintained frets are essential for optimal playability and intonation. Neglected frets can lead to fret buzzing, sharp notes, and an uncomfortable experience playing guitar.

Cleaning

Over time, grime, sweat, and dead skin cells accumulate on your fretboard and frets. This buildup can make your frets feel sticky, impede guitar string movement, and even affect your tone.

How to Clean Guitar Frets

Quick Clean: Use a lint-free cloth (slightly dampened with water or a dedicated guitar cleaner) to wipe down your frets and fingerboard after playing.

Deeper Clean: A deeper clean is especially important with unfinished fingerboards. Use a fine-grit abrasive pad (like 0000 steel wool) or specific fret-cleaning tools to gently remove stubborn gunk and minor oxidation from the fret crowns.

Polishing and Fret Dressing

Beyond cleaning, frets benefit from occasional polishing and, more significantly, fret dressing.

Polishing involves using a fine abrasive compound to restore the smooth, shiny surface of the fret crowns, which helps strings glide effortlessly.

Fret dressing is a more involved process. Over time, frets wear unevenly (especially for instruments with steel strings), developing flat spots or grooves at common playing positions. A fret dress involves carefully leveling the frets (filing them down slightly so they are all the same height), re-crowning them (restoring the smooth, rounded top), and then polishing them.

Refretting

When frets have been dressed multiple times and become too low, or if they are severely worn or damaged, a refret might be necessary. This process involves removing the old fret wires, cleaning and preparing the fret slots, and then installing entirely new frets.

Frets on Different Guitars

While the fundamental purpose of frets remains the same, their application can vary slightly depending on the type of guitar you have.

Electric Guitar Frets

Electric guitars often feature a wide range of fret sizes, with medium-jumbo and jumbo frets being particularly popular, especially for rock, metal, and blues players. Electric guitar necks typically have a flatter fretboard radius (less curved) towards the body to facilitate lower action and effortless string bending.

Acoustic Guitar Frets

Acoustic guitars generally lean towards slightly smaller frets, often vintage or medium-jumbo sizes. This preference is partly due to the typically heavier string gauges and higher action often found on acoustics, where smaller frets can offer a more grounded feel for chordal work and fingerstyle playing.

While stainless steel is gaining popularity, nickel-silver remains very common on acoustic instruments.

The fingerboard radius on acoustics can vary, but many feature a slightly more curved radius, especially near the nut, which can be comfortable for open chords.

Bass Guitar Frets

Bass frets are typically robust, often similar in material and sometimes larger in size to electric guitar frets to withstand the tension and vibration of heavy bass strings.

Some bass players also opt for fretless basses, which require a completely different technique focused on ear training and finger placement directly on the fingerboard to produce notes.

Guitar Fret FAQs

What is the difference between a 24 fret and a 22-fret guitar?

A 24-fret guitar provides two full octaves per string from the open note, meaning you can reach higher pitches; these musical instruments are popular with shredders. A 22-fret guitar, on the other hand, offers a slightly more limited upper range.

Why is the 12th fret special?

The 12th fret is special because it represents exactly one octave above the open string. When you press a string down at the 12th fret, the vibrating length of the string is precisely halved, producing a note that is exactly twice the frequency of the open string.

This location therefore makes the 12th fret a crucial reference point for tuning, intonation checks, and navigating the fretboard.

How much does it cost to refret a guitar?

The cost of a refret can vary significantly depending on the type of guitar, the chosen fret material, and the luthier’s rates.

• Partial refret: $50-$150
• Full refret using nickel-silver frets: $250 to $400
• Full refret with more durable stainless steel or Evo Gold frets: $400-$600

How do you know which fret to play on guitar?

You know which fret to play by reading guitar tablature (tabs), sheet music, or simply by ear.

• Tablature: Tabs visually represent the strings and frets, telling you exactly which fret to press on which string.
• Sheet music: Sheet music uses standard notation, and you learn to translate those notes to specific fret positions. For example, the open low E string (thickest string or sixth string) is E, the first fret on that string is F, the second fret is F#, and so on.
• By ear: Over time, with practice, your fingers develop muscle memory, and your ear becomes attuned to the sound of different notes, allowing you to intuitively navigate the fretboard without constantly looking at note names, frets, or counting.

Do you put your fingers on the frets?

No, guitar players do not put their fingers directly on the frets, but rather right below them.

Final Thoughts

Frets are much more than just metal bars; they are the backbone of your guitar’s voice. Understanding what guitar frets are, how they work, and how to care for them empowers you as a musician. It deepens your connection to your instrument and allows you to make informed choices regarding upkeep that will enhance your playing experience for years to come.

Expert Insight From: Matthew Chulka – Acoustic & Electric Guitar Expert
Matthew has over two decades of experience in the music retail industry and a detailed knowledge of acoustic and electric guitars. His first-hand experience helps ensure our knowledge and insights are grounded in real-world expertise.