Guitar Fretboard Radius Explained and why it is important when playing and choosing a guitar

Guitar Fretboard Radius Explained and why it is important specially for beginners
Guitar Fretboard Radius Explained and why it is important when playing and choosing a guitar
Fretboard Radius vs. Neck Profile
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Answering several questions I have received on my PM's from some KZbin friends who are starting to play the Guitar, and my personal advice about Guitar Fretboard Radius. If you are an experienced player you don't need to watch this video - unless you want to see some pretty guitars.
Fretboard Radius is in my opinion one of the things that can make you feel very comfortable / uncomfortable with a guitar and sometimes not receiving the deserved attention...
I am showing the differences between Classical Guitar Fretboards and some electric guitar ones so you can see how they look and why they are built as they are...
Hope you enjoy!
DISCLAIMER
All the guitars in my videos as well as all the gear and products that I show are my property, I have acquired them and I don't endorse/receive any endorsement/ don't receive any retribution/incentive/ product or gear from any of the Companies I mention in my videos.

[@theHAL9000]

Terrific video. I learned of the importance of the radius the hard way; wish I had watch this video at the start decades ago.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so m=Urch for the nice comment!

[@KingBeholder]

Man, this is actually the most helpful video on this topic I ever watched. Very good job :)

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much and happy you found it useful!

[@therootb]

Another thing as a newer player, if you play on a low radius fret board, it's harder to make chord shapes because you have to reach up and really curve your fingers so you don't deaden the strings as you try to make chords. I run into this problem a lot. I really really prefer the flatter 12-15" radius fret boards because my finger flexibility and shapes aren't great yet.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience with us!

[@Mukti0033]

Thank you for posting this video. I am in the process of purchasing a starter guitar and didn't think twice about fretboard radius. That is until now! Thanks so much

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for the feedback! Indeed radius can kill your playing experience or make it wonderful... my honest advice is - if you are not an experienced player go with radius’s above 9.5,,,, the flatter the better! Welcomed back anytime!

[@Priyadarshan_Nag]

I got it. “ The smaller the carcul, the more the coorv” Btw I love your accent. Great information 👍🏻

[@CesarAllGuitar]

LOLOLOLOL Thanks!!!!

[@michaelche3012]

I think you kinda missed the essense, it was “ The smaller the carcul, the more the coorv, huhmm?” lol

[@tomminkler7640]

@@michaelche3012 also i think i heard "bivrato"? LOL Great info though!

[@JulieJackson1]

Just what I was looking for, radius explained simply with various pics of the differences. Thanks.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Happy if it was useful and thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@royghosn18]

Man you are literally the best on KZbin, they way you explain things and at the end you gave advice on what we should get if we are learning. I really appreciate your videos thank you very much.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so so much for the nice comment!

[@saepiumv3813]

This was the most useful video and explanation of the neck radius! thank you Cesar!!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks to you for the nice comment and for watching my videos! Happy you found it useful!

[@andiespinoza7768]

Very good and informative Cesar. I didn't know much about fretboard radius myself so thank you!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Happy you enjoyed, Andi, and thanks so much for your time watching and commenting!

[@m.c.a.9669]

Thanks for explaining this subject so well, Cesar. Your camera views, drawings, and examples with the different (and gorgeous) instruments are all helpful for a beginner looking at the many choices out there. Well done.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for such a nice comment. Happy to know that you found it interesting!

[@m.c.a.9669]

You're welcome. Your engagement with people in the comments is helping people learn, and the freedom with which you share what you’ve learned with others is a great credit to you as a teacher and musician. I see you have an impressive collection of videos in your channel, on a huge range of subjects. A ton of effort has gone into making all those and I know your viewers will echo the sentiment when I put it out there and say .. ‘Thank You.” Will bookmark your channel in favourites as there’s a lot of quality instruction here for people to benefit from. Cheers.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Really appreciate your nice words and the comment... just because of comments like this is why I keep the channel running. Welcome back anytime!

[@YTisverycool2007]

Thank you for sharing your experience and your knowledge! I learned a lot as an aspiring electric guitar player.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

And I thank YOU for watching and dropping such a nice comment!

[@crazywisdom2]

Excellent Video ! This IS the best video I have ever seen or Fret board Radius .... Thank You !

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks S-o much for the nice comment!

[@okayestguitarist]

Great video, Cesar!!! That really helped me understand the purpose behind the radius. I appreciate you taking the time to do that!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

HI MIchael! Welcome here always, my friend! I am happy you found it useful - How is the search for that neck going - Think about the radius... And BTW - Greetings to Troll Mike!

[@okayestguitarist]

+Cesar Blues Guitar haha!!! Thanks! ....the search is slow. Mostly trying to understand what I want. I don't what to just get any neck. That is why your video was so helpful. It really got me thinking of what radius I want.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Well, if you would just accept an advice from a friend - go as flat as you can in radius. It will help developing your technique, specially in Vibrato and Bendings. It will strengthen your barre chords technique too - as the fretboard goes flatter, it forces you to apply uniform strength in the finger which acts as a barre. But of course, Michael, the one who needs to feel comfortable is you.

[@carlsmith1263]

@@CesarAllGuitar Do u teach music Cesar?

[@Moretones.]

Hi César i play guitar for more than 20 years, but even when you said that your video is for begginers, i must say excellent work, great video man, trully good explained and it's clear you love this instrument, so glad to hear your dedication to this. congratulations, i salute you from argentina. sorry for my bad english. Thanks!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice comment! Happy if you found it useful. Tu inglés es excelente. Un saludo desde Miami, por favor continúa conectado- mucho más por venir!

[@georgevaldivia8102]

Thank you so much Cesar. Great information that was easy to digest.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice comment!

[@nicholascremato]

Great explanation, the best on fretboard radius I have ever seen!!!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much, happy it was useful!

[@EdDanaGuitar]

Nice video.... good info and I just love you voice! Excellent explanation!!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much Ed! I really appreciate your comments as they are coming from a real musician.

[@jamesbaxter3229]

I agree with everyone. This is the best understanding for what I was looking for.

[@foxmeisteruk]

Hi Cesar, A well-presented and informative video that answered all my questions relating to fretboard radii! Many thanks, Dave

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much Dave! Happy if it was useful because that is the reason why I do upload videos! I hope you find the channel interesting - is full of tips, set ups, etc... Welcome back anytime!

[@jeffjfindley4802]

Great video, man. Perfectly explained!

[@RandySchartiger]

Beautiful beautiful guitars Cesar! And well explained radius' and how they differ. Very good stuff brother and why I love your channel! :) Cheers!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hey Randy - nothing new for you but I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment - thanks for the compliment too!

[@frozzy347]

Great explanation and good advice. Thanks a lot!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks to you for watching and commenting!

[@Koospa]

This is very informative and also I love the way you're speaking, the occasional "hm" when you emphasize something

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice comment and for watching my videos! Glad you found it interesting.

[@ferest1081]

Great job! Very helpful to see and hear!!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so Much! Happy you liked it!

[@frantisca]

Cool video: I play guitar for 50 years, but I still enjoyed it ! Your accent is very sympathetic :)

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for watching and for the nice comment!

[@123ubuntu666]

I've never been able to understand this. I look forward to your explanation. Tomorrow when I can get my tape measure out and a few of the guitars I know the radius of, I'm sure I will be enlightened.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Sometimes people feel uncomfortable with their guitars and is because of the radius...I hope you enjoy the Channel and thanks again!

[@oldrrocr]

Thanks for the vid! I started out decades ago on a very flat fretboard guitar, but really envied how easy it was to play my band-mates Strat. Now have a PRS and LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it! Suggest you tell your students to buy as good a guitar as they can afford. they probably won't regret it.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Good advice! Thanks fro watching!

[@MichaelAye]

Thanks very much! Little math correction: A flat fretboard has no curvature, and the fretboard radius is infinite. The smaller the radius, the higher the curvature of the fretboard.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks - I thought I said that but I might have made a mistake - I need to review it...

[@dalepal]

You gave a very clear and understandable explanation of what the fingerboard radius is and why it is important. I totally agree that a beginner should start with at least a 9” radius. I don’t think I would like a guitar with a smaller radius than that myself.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks Dale - I have observed that Radius is not taken in account sometimes by the people buying their first electric guitar and in my opinion is as important as action....Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gus3333]

Thanks man! I really enjoy your video and learn a lot. I play metal but I like strat radius guitar. Guitars like Jackson and LTD are pretty flats. Keep rocking buddy!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the comment and for watching my videos! I hope you enjoy the channel, is full of covers, set ups, etc...Welcome back anytime!

[@LUKESTRONG4LIFE]

Well done and explained well! Thank you!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice comment! Welcome back anytime - I hope you enjoy the channel!

[@Axl_Pose]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[@beatlejuice5951]

thank you. nice and through. I've been playing for over 15 years and iam learning all these size terms and names because iam getting a custom made guitar and I want it to be perfect. still need to research more about neck sizes. this helped.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for the feedback and happy it helped!

[@BoiseG]

Excellent explanation. Thank you!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Welcome back anytime!

[@eddyeddy2887]

thank you very much Cesar, it was definitely very helpful.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks to you for watching and dropping a comment!

[@markt.7377]

Excellent presentation, and very informative.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice words!

[@aipsong]

Very well explained and illustrated! Thanks

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks to you for watching and commenting! Happy you liked it and please come back anytime!

[@aipsong]

ok

[@mlasko74]

Nice video, the Paul is my favorite, and that neck is amazing. That is the most pro guitar you have.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for the nice comment. There are more guitars in the channel...I hope you will enjoy the videos!!

[@klintwest1689]

Now I get it! great video!

[@alleneaston7029]

this was very helpful in understanding the reason for a larger fretboard for us beginners

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for watching and for the nice comment!

[@wayneosman8971]

Thank you Cesar, the video is perfect.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much, appreciate the nice comment!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you . i now understand it so much better makes sense now

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for the comment and happy it helped!

[@Bluelightbandit]

KZbin is messing with me not getting my notifications about your videos again, grrr! Anyways, very informative video as always! I love the lady in red!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks D! She is gorgeous -- is the one we have commented the other day..... Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kataan3]

Thank you Cesar. Very informative.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks to you for watching!

[@74dartman13]

Thanks a lot for explaining this. I think you explained it the best of anyone I've heard so far! My problem I have is that I learned to play on the old curved radius necks and I'm so used to that. It makes it hard for me to get accustomed to the flatter fret boards. Everyone says they're easier, but I have difficulty because I learned on the curved ones. I'm planning a guitar build and I'm so undecided as to what radius to use for my neck! The curved ones seem more difficult to find and when I do, they're expensive! Most of the necks I find that are a reasonable price are around 12 inch radius...more flat for me. I guess the more I played on a flatter neck, the more comfortable I would find them to be. Thanks for the great explaination!👍😎🎸🎶

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the comment and for watching my videos! Well, that is a question of practice. In my case it was the other way around - I am classically trained so what happens is that I find more " easy " the flatter fretboards... Keep me posted with the build please!

[@74dartman13]

Cesar All Guitar yep...I sure will!👍😎🎸🎶

[@a.flowers8737]

Thank You for the great advice

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thank you for watching!

[@jorgegvb]

I own about a dozen different guitars and by far I enjoy playing the 7.25” radius on my ‘62 RI Fender Stratocaster the most. I like my 2 PRS guitars (245 & Custom 24 SE), but both feel very unique and different compared to any other guitars I have ever played.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hello! The video is intended to be for beginners, my friend, so there was my advice about the radius ... when you are starting, you'll find it easier in flat fretboards... Cheers and many thanks fro watching and commenting!

[@Kacarot1000]

"I may be small but I never forget, hmm!" Nick Nack, from The Man with the Golden Gun! Love the accent!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

LOL remember that one.... Thanks for the nice comment!

[@SouihliAhmed]

I am an experienced guitar player and I've learned a lot from this. Thank you!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice comment and the feedback. Happy if it helped and welcome back anytime!

[@dannyt2885]

Enjoyed the video, enjoyed the accent, and learned some thing's! Hmm? 👍👍

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hmm? Thanks so much!

[@daviddalziel884]

Thank you ! Great explanation and reminds me of why I don’t like PRS necks as they’re too flat for my liking .

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wesmatron]

Good vid. also, hearing you say the word 'circle'... it suddenly dawned on me where we get the word 'cycle' from

[@CesarAllGuitar]

LOL... Thanks for watching!

[@ferpirata76]

Un video excelente si señor 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Gracias!!

[@M3RRIH3W13]

I enjoyed your video very much, Cesar. Many people could learn about radius, neck shape, and playability. I have strong hands from laboring and they are a little bent a little. My fingers are not long but are thick; my ring finger has a size 14 for a ring. For some reason, I am happiest with a Squire Stratocaster or a Fender Standard. I can play with a Gibson or PRS neck well but the Fender 9.5 seems better for playing. It seems that I should be happier with the flatter radius. I am excited to see more videos to learn more knowledge.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice feedback! 9.5 radius is a comfortable one I would say. But it also depends very much on the type of music you are going to play - if you are a shredder you will for sure prefer flatter radius, if you play cowboy chords, you maybe preferring the smaller radius.... Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@bobravenscraft5376]

PRS is 10 for a reason

[@bobaldo2339]

It finally dawned on me yesterday (duh! - after too many decades of guitar playing to mention) one reason why I prefer a 12" fretboard radius on acoustic guitars to the more typical 16" radius. I quite often depress 3 strings (the 4th,3rd, & 2nd usually) at the same time with my index finger - forming an "A" shape partial chord - anywhere up or down the neck. With a 12" radius, the index finger does not get as much pressure on it that is tending to push the joint at the knuckle the wrong way. With a flatter fretboard, there is more pressure on that joint, and after a while it hurts!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I can perfectly relate to what you say...as I have ben trained as a classical guitarist I am so used to totally flat radius....Thanks for watching!

[@Danumurti18]

I often use 12" radius.. is it good to go on more radius, like 20"? I imagine, it will make bending string more easier?

[@78tag]

Great video Cesar - this had to be useful to many folks. Any guesses why more companies don't do compound radius necks? Since most places are using CNC machines the shaping can't be that big of a deal.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the comment and for watching the vid! Well, I guess it increases somehow the costs..leveling the frets is not that easy in a compound radius, as an example. And you will be surprised - many players do not like compound fretboards...Welcome back anytime and thanks again!

[@LeafOfAutumn05]

I feel strats has the best radius... However I use the Ibanez Gio series which has good radius... Love it..

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Yep - Radius is such a personal thing... I prefer flatter than Fender. Cheers!

[@winterguitarkingyea]

Thank You Master the best tutorial on the internet, you are the very best teacher. I Subscribed

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for your Sub and for the nice comment! Please stay tuned - much more coming and welcome on board!!

[@winterguitarkingyea]

Cesar Blues Guitar Fantastic, I have not bought a guitar yet I'm going to buy when the weather warms up so when shipped it is freezing in a truck trail or too hot either end of winter into spring I am going to buy i think an Electric Solid Body Les Paul Or Telecaster or Stratacaster "Korean made Agile," for value and price what do you think Master ?

[@CesarAllGuitar]

I don't have experience with the Agile guitars so I cannot tell you... But you should not wait until the weather warms up man, get it now! The sooner the better! Cheers!!

[@winterguitarkingyea]

Cesar Blues Guitar OK thanks appreciated will do,

[@roncollins6259]

Interesting thaught about beginners. It's honestly different for everyone. Some people with small hands find it easier to play smaller string spacing etc ... My advice would be to try as meny guitars and combos as possible and pick the one that makes you wanna play the most, regardless of anything else. If a red guitar makes you Wana play, get a red guitar. People have learned to play on 7.25 radius since Leo Fender blessed us with his designs.

[@clodmaple]

Very well explained

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thank you!

[@tableface77]

Yes, a flatter board for newbies is definitely good advice for a nice low action and learning bends. That said, providing your guitar is properly set up, you can get to a moderately low action on a 7.25 and still achieve a nice three semitone bend above the 12th fret (on the "b" and "g" string anyway) and you then get the benefit of a nice comfy neck for chording lower down :-)

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks for the comment and for the feedback.

[@unknownride5253]

Great explanation

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks!

[@077di6]

Thank you!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

You're welcome!

[@chirongodemperorof4127]

Thanks a bunch!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks to you for watching!

[@carlsmith1263]

Wonderful video. Gracias mi amigo

[@carlsmith1263]

Learned a lot. Decent player already. Decent lol

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hey Carl, thanks so much man!

[@doyadoyawannadome]

Cool video man, love your accent :)

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much! LOL - is a chick killer LOL

[@Braglemaster123]

Excellent 👍👍

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@l8tapex]

God knows she's pretty.... I laughed out loud! I learned a lot. I ordered a radius neck for the Strat I made. That explains why I would have notes go dead when bending (above 14th) compared to my 2004 Les Paul Standard.(and like you said I had to raise the action a little .now that I know why). I don't have the issue on my 84' American Elite Strat or the American FRS Strat. I was ignorant....and yes I have to be mindful of the bottom E string when doing heavy vibrato. Make it work..

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for such a nice comment. Very happy to see it has been useful! Cheers!!

[@ThrasherDge]

Very good video

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@guitarstruggles3140]

I personally prefer flatter radius. Beautiful guitars my friend!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks Bill, my friend! Appreciate you watching even if you already know all this stuff.

[@Cobycom1]

thanks very much great

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks to you for watching and commenting!

[@hellsSG]

Hi Cesar. Is bending on a PRS good? I can't try one in my country but i would like to know if, for example, you can do a major third bend on the upper half of the neck without fretting out. Thanks and nice video :)

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hi there! Of course you can! Just watch my videos playing my PRS's and look at the bends... Thanks for watching!

[@TCsthesia]

I have been looking all over for a decent video about this. I had to get rid of my 60s Road Worn Strat because it simply chokes when bending more than a semitone past the 12th fret. How can it be that you are the only person I've heard actually mention this issue? I was trying to find information on the issue everywhere online, and even had it properly set up to no avail. I really want to get a Strat again, but now at least I know to get a 9.5" radius fretboard. Cheers Cesar!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hello! Indeed, radius is something that sometimes gets totally overlooked... I am happy it helped! Cheers!

[@bangkokskater]

where's the super flat Ibanez wizard necks! great video btw

[@ankurbanerjee4332]

hi Cesar!!! your video was really helpful. I just have one question regarding fretboard radius and that is i'm planning to buy an electric guitar and i'm a beginner , so which of the two,that is, squier stratocaster guitars or epiphone les paul guitars would be ideal for me ?

[@CesarAllGuitar]

First thanks so much for watching and commenting. They are different guitars... it depends on what you like. In general, Epiphone Les Pauls have a 12" radius and Squiers are in the 9.5" mark... I personally prefer Gibson but is just my personal preference. Try both and choose what is more comfortable to you. If it was my call I will take Epiphone nut... you need to decide for yourself! Thanks!

[@bobravenscraft5376]

TIP. PRS in video explains. Always level and shave frets because that is the primary reason for choking

[@claudewilson2713]

Hey man. Great video! I'm thinking of buying a PRS Custom 24. Do you know the difference between a Pattern Neck and a Pattern Thin Neck. I have a Select Series Strat now and a problem I have is fretting out too easily and hitting other strings on bends. I think my action is too low. Do you know which PRS Neck is better in avoiding that on large bends??

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for your comment! Well your issue in my opinion has more to do with the radius than with the neck profile. Pattern neck is a more chunky profile than thin neck. I like better pattern. But is very personal... watch my video about radius and you will see what I mean. Thanks again!!!

[@jayjkayhouseofharleys3151]

WATCHED YOU FROM THE HOUSE!!!!!!!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much!!! I hope you enjoy the Channel!!! Welcome back anytime!!!

[@stevec.1802]

Bravissimo.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks so much for the nice comment!

[@2009framat]

Interesting but on the other hand you can make a science out of everything and frighten especially beginners :-) Neverless thumb up. Framat

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hey Framat, thanks so much for the feedback... I never intended to do so but I will think about it. Good point. Thanks for watching!

[@xjuane]

Cesar Blues Guitar Entonces un radio menor (9.5) es mejor para hacer acordes y un radio mayor (16) es mejor para hacer solos?

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hey Juan! En realidad es mucho de preferencia personal...tienes monstruos como Dany Gatton tocando en radios de 7.25 con una tele como la que ves en mi video... pero en general, digamos que radios más pequeños van “ mejor” para tocar en la parte del diapasón que está más cerca de la pala ( los trastes del 1 al 5 ) y que si estas más en shredding arriba en el mástil te vendrá mejor un radio muy plano ( mayor ). Gracias por ver el video y comentar!

[@michaellilley6725]

Thank you for this, could this be the reason I haven't bought a Fender Stratocaster, every time I listen to a demo on KZbin I hear fret buzz!! I think with a low action the strings touch the frets whilst vibrating up and down, I do have Strat copies, even a Squire Showmaster but all seem to have reasonable fret radius and none of them buzz!!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

If the guitar is properly set up it should not buzz too much. There will be always some small buzz if you pick the strings with a lot of intensity ( metal against metal ) or if you don't fret the notes correctly. But with the right neck relief should be non perceptible if played with normal intensity. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nicholascremato]

I put a custom carvin fretboard on my eric clapton silver Telecaster and people who play it with the custom 14 inch radius and slightly wider neck are asthonist with how it plays and they think they bought a bad one until I tell them the neck was changed!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Good one! Radius is indeed a key component in playability and many people takes that for granted...

[@alamosabill201]

Excellent explanation Cesar, I didn't know classical guitars were flat. You are absolutely correct about the 7.25 radius 52 reissue, I had one when I was beginning and couldn't get on with it, so I sold it. So why don't electric guitars have a flat fretboard? I love your accent Cesar and you have a very nice way of presenting your videos, I'd like to hear your thoughts on strings, gauge preferred make, tension etc. Till next time, cheers Si. 👍

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Many thanks Simon! Well there are certainly electric guitars with flat fretboards. But the issue is that most of the players do value a slight curvature so they can perform barre chords with ease ( if you look to your index finger, its natural shape is not totally extended but with some curve ). Flat fretboards will make easy bending strings but you need to apply extra force for barre chords...which is one of the techniques you develop when learning classical guitar. The classical guitar being flat makes " easier " the fingerpicking with the right hand as all the strings are even - and as you know Classical Guitar is all about fingerpicking. The rest ... for another video! Many thanks my friend!

[@TheWesternSet]

Great video! If telecasters have a big curve and that isn't as good for bending notes, why are telecasters known for bending?

[@goncic]

very nice video!! thank you so much. I have a question: im thinking to buy an epiphone masterbilt acoustic dr500mce, but unfortunately i cant test it.. i read that the radious is 14... Is it good, or confortable to play?? greatings from argentina!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hi Gonzalo, thanks so much for watching! I have a couple of videos because I own one Epiphone Acoustic Masterbilt... You can watch them , I think you will find answers...

[@goncic]

Cesar All Guitar thaaaaanks!

[@DistortedNocaster]

Cesar, great video! I have a question about neck shapes and thickness. I never get used to playing thin fast necks, however when I play U, D, V and even classic C shapes I find it easy to put reasonable amount of tenstion to the strings, no matter the radius. Additionallly, I find a sweet stop for my thumb to rest on the neck. Is it all in my head? Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

No, - it is not in your head. It happens exactly the same to me! In my case it is because I did study classical guitar so I love big chunky and mostly c shaped necks. I play all styles because that is when you have to do when you are a session guitar payer but my preference is that one. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@DistortedNocaster]

Thank you, Cesar! Do you have any thoughts regarding thumposition and neck profiles over radius and chord and single note playing? Do these factors have any influence on the playing . I particularly have trouble finding a comfortable spot on thin necks, thus I tend to put extra pressure on the fret creating a lot of pressure on bends but not enougth on chords.And this all happen for me because I cant seem to find the "comfort zone"on my tele neck as I did on my Epiphone Les paul

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Does your Tele have a thin neck? Regarding the thumb, in wider fretboards the rule of thumb is to not to show it above the fretboard...but in electric guitars is impossible. I have a video in spider exercises where I show the position I use....I hope is useful...

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

I prefer a flat radius guitar over say a 7.25, my big hands struggle to play them. My Telecaster is 9.5 which is the max radius for me. My favorite guitars are 12's. I don't mind compound radius boards as long as it's not under 9. A 13, well that's holy grail radius for me.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hey Joe - so we are on the same page, aren't we? Thanks for watching man!

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Right on brother! Not many guitar videos on this subject but real important when trying to understand what makes a guitar feel comfortable in your hands. Good Job!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks Man!

[@123ubuntu666]

Thanks Cesar. Things make a lot more sense now. I was confusing neck profile with the fret radius, so glad that got cleared up. Couple of questions though. How do you measure the actual radius? I understand the relationship between the circumference and the radius, but how the hell do you measure either one to get a reading? Another thing. It seems to me that the curvature of the radius is not totally symmetrical. It seems to taper at more of an angle towards the higher strings. I may be imagining this, but noticed it on your guitars you displayed and also when I looked down the neck of my instruments. It's very slight. Difficult to explain, but it's not a perfect representation of the top of a circle. I'm sure you know what I mean. Anyway, good stuff. I was thinking you had to take a tape measure and wrap it around the neck and whatnot. But that is the profile. I get the general concept, so I can learn a bit easier from here. Thanks again.

[@123ubuntu666]

Sorry, I meant to say 'it seems to taper at more of an angle on the lower strings'. Doh.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Happy it was useful: Now- 1.- There are devices to measure the Fretboard Radius - They come in different shapes, you may want to check Stewart McDonald's catalogue and you can see them...Fretboard radius Gauges. 2.- That only happens in Compound Radius Guitars ( The only one I show in the video with a compound radius is the Gibson.. ) The rest have the same radius. It might be an optical illusion because the width of the fretboard is different - it is wider at the higher frets and narrower at the nut.... I hope it helps!

[@123ubuntu666]

Thanks Cesar. 1: I thought there might be a special instrument for it. I'll check them out. 2: Ah yeah, I thought I might have been imagining it. I didn't have my glasses on! Great info. I can see this radius thing is another rabbit hole to disappear down. I'm a guitarded ((c)) Scott Grove) and only recently found out that the tone knob on a stat has no effect on the bridge pup! eh eh. But this is a good explanation to get going with. Too be honest, I don't really mind too much about the radius as I've played Spanish guitar (badly) which are of course very flat, and even the Ibanez/Floyd Rose metal monsters which are also very flat (and with a thin profile). In fact, it seems to me, and I might be wrong, but thinner profile necks seem to go better with flatter radiuses. Where as more chubby necks lend themselves to more curved radius. I might be totally wrong on that as well. My two Tele copies have a slightly flatter radius than the example you showed here, and they also have quite thin profile necks (for Teles). They play like 'butter' as they say. Thanks again Cesar, and if you ever want to do an update to this video, I'm all ears.

[@johnrodriguez8253]

Hi Cesar, I'm John Rodriguez who works at reception in Miami. Thanks for this explanation. I had no idea about the shape of the neck on different guitars. Awesome!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hey John, thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@lettuceb2336]

Even though I understand the concept I'm looking for input as I build a strat-esque guitar from scratch. Coming from acoustics with radiuses in the 12 to 16 inch range i'm hesitant to go below 10, so your insight was helful. If nothing else, you get a thumbs up for that fine red guitar :) mmmmmmmmm

[@CesarAllGuitar]

LOL mmmm thanks for watching!

[@EMDS]

Gracias por tu video Cesar! Una pregunta, que tan baja puede llegar la accion de una guitarra con radio 14"? Especialmente para tocar metal y shredding? :D

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hola Julian! Gracias por ver el video. A ver, va a depender de cómo de bien hecha este la guitarra... las mias (que son todas bastante buenas como ves ) las tengo a un mínimo de 1.6 milímetros ...pero no todas pueden llegar tan bajo. Para mi esa es una acción ya bastante baja. Por debajo de ahí vas a tener mucho buzz.... saludos desde Miami!

[@EMDS]

Genial Cesar! Claro, la verdad yo estoy mas acostumbrado a radios planos, mi guitarra principal es una Musicman Jp15 que tiene radio 17", pero ahora me enamore de una Kiesel Aries que vi y es de radio 14", como vivo en Chile no puedo probar antes de comprarla asi que tendre que esperar 10 dias mas a que me llegue, solo espero que tenga una accion baja que lo que mas hago es solear. Ya te estoy siguiendo, muy buenos tus videos!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Gracias por seguirme! Si, 17 es súper plano...yo no tengo ninguna de 17 creo... tengo de 14 y las dos Gibson de compound radius llegan a 16... si consigues acción de 1.6 mm esa ya es muy bajita. Saludos!

[@sahilflanger8526]

Is 15 inch radius good as a first electric guitar ?

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hello! Pretty good in my opinion as is very flat!

[@endlessgrind6951]

Thats one sexy red PRS!!! You are a very lucky man!!!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Yes she is! Thanks so much for watching !

[@emmanuelibus]

Can you do guitar sizes next?

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Good idea!

[@emmanuelibus]

Sorry, I meant guitar NECK sizes.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

yes, that was what I understood...

[@steveharris2589]

🎸🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Thanks Steve!

[@metalchug6222]

Which is the best tone? Red lady or rev star?

[@CesarAllGuitar]

They are different guitars - p90 versus humbuckers...the playability of the revstar is superb.

[@metalchug6222]

I play punkpop. Just looking around. I like the meticulous briefing u gave. It come clear to me when i know your profession sir. Looking forward to win the prize for contest haha.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

The contest is for the 10.000 subscribers mark. You need to go to the video an leave the comment and choose your number!

[@8844krj]

I made it 30 seconds and I saw the dog and had to pause and like the video. I don’t really want anything more than a bunch of dogs and a bunch of guitars. Is that too much to ask? Anyway, hitting play again...

[@samrice1151]

Take a shot every time he says hmm,eh or mmm

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hehehe..I am correcting that - watch my more recent vids and see..anyway thanks for feedback!

[@samrice1151]

It's a good thing Imo it adds character to the way you speak but it would make a good drinking game too

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hehe - but if you take a shot every time I do it you might get very very drunk...I will try anyway !

[@naimgorgani953]

No it's good. Keep it. I enjoyed your accent so much @@CesarAllGuitar

[@bobravenscraft5376]

If you have a 7 very important LOL ROCK ON!!!

[@metalchug6222]

The way u explain the neck is like u explaining the human knee pcl acl haha

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Lol!