Guitar Neck Profiles Explained - What Are The Differences & Which Shape Is Perfect For You!

In this video Dagan talks you through the most common neck profiles/neck shapes you'll find on electric guitars - The C-Shape, the V-Shape and the U-Shape, as well as different variations of each!

Each have their own unique feel and shape, which affect playability and comfort. In some cases can drastically alter the way you play the guitar! This video will teach you the main differences and what to look for when you pick up a guitar without checking out the specs, hopefully helping you find your perfect guitar!!

0:00 Intro & Brief Overview
2:20 What Are The Main Shapes?
3:24 What Is A 'C-Shape' Neck Profile And Where You'll Find Them.
4:21 C-Shape Atributes
5:12 What Is A 'V-Shape' Neck Profile And Where You'll Find Them.
7:00 What Is A 'U-Shape' Neck Profile And Where You'll Find Them.
7:15 What's A 'Baseball Bat' Neck?
8:15 That Sneaky D-Shape Profile Neck
8:45 Where To Try These Necks Our & Why You SHOULD!
9:30 It's All Personal Preference! / The Wand Chooses The Wizard!
10:20 Why Do Might Want To Consider Trying Something Different?
11:05 Final Thoughts & Outro

Check out all the guitars Dagan's plays & mentions in this video over at PMT Online here:

Shop Dagan's setup in this video at PMT Online here:

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[Deadhansome]

I'll be honest, all my guitars have different neck profiles and I like all of them. Having said that my player strat is a dream to play with the modern c.

[erickbertin]

no fat/50s/vintage/V shape necks, C and Ds are where it's at for me, thank you very much.... there's one thing I believe wasn't stressed enough during the video, though: the different shapes of necks will have a VERY REAL effect on how fast your hand will tire, which is how I came to realize that not all necks were equal, and that those necks I mentioned before simply do not work for me, which is still a bit of a problem for me as a huge LP groupie, to this day, I haven't found one which works for me, and it's ALWAYS the neck which ruins it for me, similar thing Telecaster, I actually ended up with cramps in my fretting hand after playing one, no joke, no exaggeration, and it wasn't until I recently when Squier started releasing more modern spec'd Teles that I finally found one that works for me, hopefully the same will happen with the LP some day.... cool video, thanks!

[bnizzio]

I'm partial to my Epiphone SG's slim tapered 60's profile. It's comfortable and fast enough for shred. The Paoferro fretboard is the silkiest I've ever played on. It took me years to find my perfect guitar.

[robinmorris]

Truthfully, after 35 years of being a guitarist, , I've heard all the neck sizes described over the years and for the life of me I can't tell the aural difference in any of them as they're described. This is why I only buy my guitars in person at a shop. That way I can feel the neck, and if it feels great I buy it. End of story. Literally no described version of a neck will actually describe how a neck feels in one's hands. As people all our hands are different. Meaning that some large people have small hands, while some smaller people, have larger hands. And probably only a very small percentage of people know the exact measurements of their hands, and the precise measurements of guitar necks, in relation to their hand size. Hence the reason you'll never get the perfect neck size if you order a guitar online. Now, at the same time if your like some guitarists, neck size doesn't really matter and they can play with any size. They can usually order guitars online with no problem. I personally am comfortable with large to xlarge necks. I can't stand smaller to wizard size necks. I feel like they're going to snap when I do manual neck bends. The only guitar I ever bought online was a 5 string bass by Yamaha. The neck width, up and down is fine, the neck depth, front to back is to thin at the nut and only gets thinner towards the top. So then I vowed to only buy in brick and morter guitar stores. I realize this is a personal choice, and maybe I'm alone in this mode of thinking, and I'm all for buying any strings, and accessories online. Also, if you understand your own hand size in relation to d shape, u shape, v neck, soft, hard v-neck, etc., etc., then more power to you, go ahead and order online. Theres room for all of us in this great big world. I'm not trying to cause grief. Just presenting my own personal preference in buying from a physical store instead of buying online.

[isansimpson]

After playing Ibanez guitars for about a decade, it somehow finally occurred to me that thin necks are uncomfortable for me - I’m 6’5 with outrageously long fingers. To test this theory I made some neck templates in foam. Ended up ordering a custom guitar with a 32mm thick neck (nearly twice as thick as a modern Ibby prestige neck at 17mm) and a 46mm nut width. Insane comfort. Playing more fluidly than I ever have. And for context, I play obnoxiously technical death metal. If you’re like me and never play with your thumb wrapped around the neck, like Mark Holcomb for example, then I’d guess you too will be way more comfortable on a very thick guitar neck. It’s a shame you can’t find a guitar on the market that has a thick neck but also a relatively flat fretboard radius and big frets…they just don’t exist. If you want modern appointments you have to go thin.

[itzzzamemario]

IT would be cool if they made one for different bars/bridges (wammy bar, floid rose bridge, bigsby)

[tracyhelton]

Thanks! Your explaination was the best I have heard in 50 years....

[guy_in_the_moon]

That intro song is just synonymous with Dagan

[lasombra_br]

That was a very nice video. I went through this recently. I started playing on a C neck and it never felt good, always got in the way. Then I tried a Slimtaper/Slimtaper D and I just fell in love with it. It's definitely my neck.

[georgecharleston]

I bought a jackson a while ago and the neck is one of the most comfortable necks I've ever played . No guitar I've played since has felt as good. I don't even know what neck shape it has, just that it's kinda flat on the back

[chancesmoke]

Never tried a v profile before. But I have a C and D on my electrics, and 2 U's on my acoustics. I have very large hands so those profiles were chosen for whichever role I'm filling/practicing.

I've found that the heart doesn't pursue the practical until it's had a taste of it.

Don't look for a guitar. Feel/listen for it. Search for it's voice. Leave your eyes at home.

[MikeMichaels]

I hadn't played electric guitar since 1989. Stopped playing in bands and became a lazy acoustic at home player. Eddie's passing inspired me to play electric again. I like the 'D' neck.

[dannywilliams]

You are one cool cat brother! I love your style I love the way you go into detail about explaining things. And I love your guitar style. Thanks for the video man. Peace out brother.

[rocinante]

Well done Dagan for doing this. Not the easiest topic to tackle! Think I need to get in store and try some different neck profiles!!

[PittPenguin]

What’s the best out of these for small hands and shortish fingers: Jackson, Charvel, Kramer — thank you!

[steel_horse]

You need to go into a shop and try them as PMT allowed me the other week. I went in thinking I’d be walking out with a Epiphone but ended up loving the PRS so got that. Never buy a guitar online without trying.
I love the sound of a Charvel and Kramer but I can’t get on with those neck shapes.

[dwyn]

This was incredibly helpful, and better than anyone else's comparison! Actually, it is the only real comparison out there, so you own the neck profile!!!

[rollingbard]

Man this guitar is really really beautiful!

[liamongarosmusicshtuff]

Loving the Kramer's!!!!🤟🤟🤟 I wish I had money😂

[indigenousamerican]

The perfect neck to me is the one on the Jackson USA Adrian Smith San Dimas. Its a hair thinner than the neck on the pro mod San dimas plus with better fretwork.