Guitars are complex instruments with various components that influence their playability and sound. Among these components, frets play a crucial role in determining intonation, action, and the overall feel of the guitar. Slanted frets, while not common on traditional guitars, can have a significant impact on how a guitar plays and sounds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what slanted frets are, their purpose, and how they affect guitar playing and sound.
Understanding Slanted Frets
Slanted frets, also known as fanned frets or multi-scale frets, deviate from the conventional parallel fret arrangement found on most guitars. Instead, they are designed with different angles for each string, creating a fan-like pattern. Typically, the frets are slanted so that the lower-pitched strings have a longer scale length (distance from nut to bridge) compared to the higher-pitched strings.
The concept of slanted frets has been around for centuries, with some historical instruments featuring variations of this design. However, it’s gained popularity in contemporary electric and acoustic guitars, particularly in extended-range instruments like 7-string and 8-string guitars, as well as in the world of bass guitars.
Purpose and Benefits of Slanted Frets
The primary purpose of slanted frets is to address specific challenges associated with extended-range guitars and to optimize the playability and intonation of each string. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Improved Intonation: Slanted frets help improve intonation across the entire fretboard. With conventional frets, intonation discrepancies can become more pronounced as you move up the neck. Slanted frets mitigate this issue by accommodating different scale lengths for each string.
- Balanced Tension: On guitars with a range of string gauges (e.g., 7-string guitars), slanted frets can help balance string tension. This ensures that each string has a consistent feel and response, reducing the potential for string buzzing or uneven action.
- Extended Range: Slanted frets are often used on extended-range guitars, such as 7-string or 8-string instruments. These guitars require longer scale lengths for lower-pitched strings to maintain proper tension and intonation.
- Ergonomics: Slanted frets can enhance the ergonomic comfort of the guitar, especially when playing complex chord voicings or intricate solos. The fan-like arrangement can make it easier to reach higher frets on the lower strings and lower frets on the higher strings.
Challenges and Considerations
While slanted frets offer various advantages, they also introduce some challenges and considerations:
- Adaptation: Players accustomed to traditional parallel frets may need some time to adapt to the feel of slanted frets. The different string lengths can initially feel unusual, affecting techniques like bending and vibrato.
- String Changes: String changes can be more complex on guitars with slanted frets. Players need to account for the varying scale lengths when selecting and installing new strings.
- Cost: Guitars with slanted frets are often custom-built or come from boutique manufacturers, making them more expensive than standard guitars. The design and construction process can be intricate and time-consuming.
Sound Impact
The impact of slanted frets on sound is generally subtle and indirect. While they don’t directly alter the guitar’s tone or timbre, their influence on playability and intonation can indirectly affect the way a guitar sounds. Here’s how:
- Intonation: Improved intonation ensures that chords and notes ring more in tune across the entire fretboard. This can lead to a cleaner and more harmonically accurate sound.
- Playing Comfort: Enhanced playability can allow players to explore the full range of the guitar more comfortably, potentially leading to more creative and expressive playing, which, in turn, can influence the overall sound.
- String Tension: The balanced string tension resulting from slanted frets can impact the feel of the strings. This can affect the attack and sustain of notes, contributing to the guitar’s overall tonal characteristics.
Conclusion
Slanted frets, while not a standard feature on most guitars, serve a specific purpose in addressing intonation and playability challenges, particularly in extended-range instruments. They offer benefits such as improved intonation, balanced tension, and enhanced ergonomics, making them popular among certain guitarists seeking the best possible performance from their instruments. If you’re considering a guitar with slanted frets, be prepared for a brief adjustment period as you become accustomed to the unique feel and playing characteristics they offer. Ultimately, the choice between slanted and traditional frets depends on your playing style, musical preferences, and the specific demands of your repertoire.
