Guitar Frets: Which Fret Wire Is Right for You?
Guitar frets have a huge impact on how a guitar feels to play, yet they're often overlooked. Instead of getting lost in measurements and specs, this guide explains fret types in a clear, practical way so you can choose what actually suits your hands and playing style.
Common Guitar Fret Types
Most modern electric guitars use one of these fret sizes:
- Vintage
- Medium
- Medium Jumbo
- Jumbo
- Extra / Super Jumbo
All fret sizes come down to two things:
- Height (how tall the fret is)
- Width (how thick the fret is)
Understanding these two ideas will help you choose the right fret type for your playing style.
Fret Height
Tall Frets (Jumbo, Narrow Tall)
Taller frets create more space between the string and the fretboard. This gives your fingers a better grip on the string, making techniques like string bending, hammer-ons, and pull-offs feel easier and smoother.
However, higher frets come with a small trade-off. Because the string is further away from the fretboard, pressing too hard can push the string sharp. This is more noticeable if you use lighter string gauges such as 9–42 or thinner. Some players also notice a slight “stepped” or “speed-bump” feeling when sliding up and down the neck, especially if they're not used to taller frets. The good news is that most players adapt very quickly.
Low Frets (Vintage)
Low frets feel almost flat against the fretboard. Sliding along the neck feels extremely smooth, with very little resistance. Because the string can't be pressed down as far, intonation issues caused by pressing too hard are much less common.
The downside is grip. Since the string sits closer to the fretboard, string bending can feel harder and less forgiving. Some players describe it as the fretboard “grabbing“ their fingertips during bends. For players who rely heavily on bends and expressive vibrato, low frets can feel restrictive.
Medium Frets (Medium, Medium Jumbo)
Medium-height frets sit comfortably between tall and low frets. They offer a balance of grip, comfort, and stability, which is why many modern electric guitars use them as a standard option.
They're often considered the safest choice, especially if you play multiple styles or aren't sure what you prefer yet. It's rare to hear players complain about medium-height frets.
Fret Width
Wide Frets (Jumbo, Medium Jumbo)
Wider frets have a larger contact area with the string and a flatter crown. This makes them well-suited for fast playing, smooth bends, and consistent vibrato. They also tend to provide slightly more sustain and wear down more slowly, meaning they last longer before needing a fret dress or refret.
One thing to note is tone. Because of the larger contact area, wide frets can sound a little less crisp on clean tones. This is one reason you rarely see very wide frets on acoustic guitars.
Narrow Frets (Vintage, Narrow Tall)
Narrow frets have a smaller, sharper contact point with the string. This often results in a brighter, more articulate tone, especially noticeable on clean sounds.
The trade-offs are durability and speed. Narrow frets tend to wear out faster and can feel less forgiving for fast or aggressive playing. Sustain is also slightly shorter compared to wider frets.
So, Which Guitar Frets Should You Choose?
In today's market, most players lean toward Medium Jumbo or Jumbo frets, and for good reason. They're comfortable, versatile, and work well across many genres, from blues and rock to fusion and metal.
Narrow or vintage frets are usually chosen by experienced players who know exactly what they want, or by those chasing a very specific vintage feel and tone.
If there's one takeaway, it's this: fret choice is primarily about playing feel. Tone differences exist, but comfort and control matter far more in the long run.
If you're unsure, Medium Jumbo is a solid, low-risk option that suits most playing styles.
Final Thoughts
Frets might not be the most exciting guitar topic, but they have a massive impact on how a guitar feels in your hands. Understanding fret height and width will help you make better decisions when buying a new guitar, ordering a custom build, or planning a refret.
If you'd like advice tailored to your playing style, string gauge, or genre, feel free to reach out. Choosing the right frets can completely change your playing experience.
