TME Buyer Guide

Fender

Guitar Neck Profiles | Part 1

When choosing a new guitar, understanding the neck profile is essential for comfort, playability, and overall enjoyment. The shape—whether U, V, or C—affects how the guitar feels in your hand and can influence your technique and playing style.

In any discussion of neck profiles, it's also important to note that the overall neck feel is also shaped by fret size, fingerboard radius, and nut width. Larger frets provide easier bends, nut width impacts string spacing, while a flatter radius supports faster playing. For the sake of this Buyer Guide, we'll just focus on the profiles and will delve into these other specs in another guide.

Finding the right combination of neck profile, fret size, and radius can improve long-term comfort and allow you to play your best, whether you're into fast solos or rhythmic chords.

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To help you navigate your search, we’ve compiled a guide to common Fender neck profiles, including their pros, cons, and the ideal player for each. On our site, you’ll find the neck profile listed in the specs section of every Fender guitar. Make it a habit to check this spec for any guitar that catches your eye—ensuring the neck profile matches your playing style. This small step will help you select the perfect guitar for your needs.

U-Shaped Profile

  • PROS: Chunky, substantial feel, more "shoulder" - the area where the neck wraps around to meet the fingerboard - which is typically felt most when playing on the first 5 frets. Great for players with larger hands or those who prefer a firm grip. Often seen on early 1950s Fenders.
  • CONS: May feel too bulky for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a thinner neck.
  • IDEAL FOR: Blues, country, and rhythm guitarists who like a traditional / vintage feel.

V-Shaped Profile

  • PROS: Comfortable for thumb-over playing. Available in both soft and hard "V" versions, offering versatility.
  • CONS: Might feel sharp or awkward for players who prefer flatter necks.
  • IDEAL FOR: Players with a thumb-over grip who like to bend notes often, like many vintage rock and blues guitarists.

C-Shaped Profile

  • PROS: The most popular and versatile profile. Thinner, with a rounded feel that suits most hands and playing styles.
  • CONS: May not provide the same grip as a U-shaped neck for players who prefer a more substantial feel.
  • IDEAL FOR: All-around players, from beginners to pros, seeking comfort and flexibility across genres.