What Is a Fan-Fret (Multi-Scale) Guitar? A Comprehensive Guide

A fan-fret guitar, also known as a multi-scale guitar, is an instrument where the frets are not parallel but angled, creating a different scale length for each string. This design optimizes string tension, improves intonation, and enhances tonal balance, especially for extended-range and down-tuned guitars. It is widely used in progressive metal, jazz, and fingerstyle playing.

Etymology / Origin

The term “fan-fret” derives from the visual fanning out of the frets across the fingerboard. The more technical name, “multi-scale,” refers to the multiple scale lengths employed. The concept dates back centuries—Renaissance lutes and orpharions sometimes used angled frets—but the modern electric guitar version was pioneered by luthier Ralph Novak in the 1980s. Novak’s company, Novax Guitars, patented the “fanned-fret” system in 1989, aiming to solve the inherent compromises of a single scale length. Since then, builders like Ormsby, Strandberg, Kiesel, and Ibanez have popularized the design, especially for extended-range instruments.

How It Works

On a standard guitar, all strings share the same scale length—the distance from the nut to the bridge saddle. This forces a compromise: a scale length that works well for the high strings may be too short for the low strings, causing floppy tension or poor intonation, and vice versa. A multi-scale guitar assigns each string its own scale length, typically longer for lower-pitched strings and shorter for higher ones. The frets are angled to maintain correct intonation across all strings; the fret slots are cut so that each string’s 12th fret lies exactly at the midpoint of its scale length. The nut and bridge are also angled to accommodate the varying lengths.

The result is a more even tension across the strings, clearer bass response, and sweeter treble notes. For example, an 8-string fan-fret might have a 28-inch scale on the low F# and a 25.5-inch scale on the high E, allowing the low string to remain tight and articulate while the high strings feel slinky and bendable. The angled frets also follow the natural sweep of the hand, which many players find ergonomic.

Notation & Diagrams

Standard guitar tablature and notation work perfectly for fan-fret guitars, as the fret numbers correspond to the same chromatic positions. However, the visual layout of the fretboard differs. Below is a simplified diagram of an 8-string fan-fret fretboard, showing the angled frets and the varying scale lengths (not to scale).

String: 8 (low)  7   6   5   4   3   2   1 (high)
Fret 0 (nut):  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Fret 1:                              
Fret 2:                               
...

Diagram placeholder: A typical 8-string fan-fret fretboard with the nut angled and frets fanning out toward the bridge. The low string side has a longer scale, so the frets are spaced wider apart.

Step-by-Step / How to Play

Transitioning to a fan-fret guitar requires minor adjustments to your technique. Follow these steps to adapt smoothly:

1. Familiarize yourself with the fretboard. Spend time playing single-note scales slowly, observing how the angled frets affect your hand position. The frets will feel straighter under your fingers on the higher strings and more angled on the lower strings.
2. Adjust your left-hand posture. Keep your wrist relaxed and allow your fingers to naturally follow the fret angles. Avoid forcing a perpendicular approach; let your hand rotate slightly as you move across the neck.
3. Practice chord shapes. Open chords and barre chords may feel different because the frets are not parallel. Start with simple triads and power chords, then progress to more complex voicings. You may need to slightly alter finger placement to avoid muting adjacent strings.
4. Experiment with bending. The shorter scale on the high strings makes bending easier, while the longer bass strings require more finger strength. Use this to your advantage for expressive playing.
5. Optimize string gauge. Because each string has a different scale length, standard string sets may not provide ideal tension. Use a tension calculator or consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to find the right gauges for your tuning.

Common Variations

Fan-fret designs vary widely to suit different playing styles and preferences:

• Scale length range: Common 6-string multi-scales might span 25.5″–26.5″, while 8-strings often range from 26.5″–28″ or even 27″–30″ for extreme baritone tunings.
• Number of strings: While 7- and 8-string fan-frets dominate the extended-range market, 6-string versions are popular for drop tunings, and 9-string models exist for the lowest registers.
• Neutral fret position: Some designs place the perpendicular (neutral) fret at the 7th or 9th fret, while others have it at the 12th. This affects the feel of chord shapes in different positions.
• Headless construction: Many modern multi-scale guitars (e.g., Strandberg) are headless, reducing weight and improving balance, with tuning machines at the bridge.
• Acoustic fan-fret: Though less common, some acoustic builders offer multi-scale steel-string and classical guitars for improved bass response and intonation.

Common Mistakes

Players new to fan-fret guitars often encounter these pitfalls:

• Pressing too hard: The uneven fret angles can cause notes to go sharp if you apply excessive pressure, especially on the higher frets. Use a light touch and let the fret do the work.
• Ignoring intonation setup: Because each string has a different scale, intonation must be set carefully. If you change string gauges or tuning, re-intonate the guitar.
• Using standard string sets blindly: A set designed for a 25.5″ scale may feel too tight on the treble side or too loose on the bass side. Always calculate tension for your specific scale lengths.
• Assuming all chords are the same: Some chord shapes, especially those spanning many frets, may require slight finger adjustments to sound clean. Practice slowly and listen for muted or buzzing strings.
• Neglecting the nut and bridge angle: When changing strings, ensure they seat properly in the angled nut slots and bridge saddles to avoid tuning instability.

Notable Examples in Songs

Many modern guitarists have embraced the fan-fret design. Here are a few songs that prominently feature multi-scale guitars:

• “CAFO” – Animals as Leaders
• “Marigold” – Periphery
• “Electric Sunrise” – Plini
• “The Woven Web” – Animals as Leaders
• “Atlas” – Monuments
• “Physical Education” – Animals as Leaders