Best Electric Guitar Frets of 2026
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Electric guitar frets are an essential component of any electric guitar. These thin strips of metal are placed along the neck of the guitar and allow the musician to play different notes and chords by pressing down on the strings against the frets. Frets are typically made of nickel-silver alloy or stainless steel, and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different playing styles and preferences. Some electric guitars even feature frets that are specially designed to enhance sustain and improve overall sound quality. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned musician, the right set of electric guitar frets can make all the difference in your playing experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Electric Guitar Frets
Guitar Fret Wire - Six Feet
This guitar fret wire is the most popular size for both acoustic and electric guitars, dulcimers, banjos, cigar box guitars, and more. The six feet long 18% nickel-silver wire comes in 12-inch straight lengths, which makes it easy to install. It is perfect for new guitar building or guitar repair work. The size specs include Crown Width: .084" (2.13mm); Crown Height: .039" (0.99mm); Tang Depth: .055" (1.40mm), and the recommended Tang Width: .023".
StewMac Pre-Cut Fretwire Set
The StewMac Fretwire Set is designed for modern guitars with its wide 0.110" width, making it perfect for string bending. You will appreciate the pre-cut and pre-radiused feature, which allows for quick installation on popular fretboard radii. Each fret is pre-cleaned and cut to 2.75", speeding up your fret jobs and enhancing efficiency in your workspace. Crafted from a durable 18% nickel-silver alloy, this fretwire is a trusted choice among luthiers and repair shops, ensuring long-lasting performance for your guitar.
Guitar Fret Wire - Standard Nickel-Silver Medium Gauge
This high-quality German-made guitar fret wire offers six feet of beautiful and durable 18% nickel-silver wire. It is versatile for use with acoustic and electric guitars, banjos, dulcimers, and cigar box guitars. The pre-radiused length of 8 inches makes it easier to install, and it is suitable for new building or repair work. The recommended slot width is .023 inches, while the crown width is .080 inches, crown height is .043 inches, and tang depth is .050 inches.
Jim Dunlop Jumbo Fretwire
The Jim Dunlop Fretwire is crafted from a durable nickel/silver alloy, ensuring longevity and a smooth playing experience. With 24 frets that are precut and straightened to a convenient length of 2-5/8 inches, you can easily install them on your guitar. The design allows for easy bending, making it suitable for curved fingerboards, which enhances your playing comfort. Its compact packaging makes it easy to store and handle, weighing just under 0.15 pounds. This fretwire is an excellent choice for guitarists looking to upgrade their instrument's playability.
Fender Medium Jumbo Bass Guitar Frets Pack
The Fender Medium Jumbo Frets come as a pack of 24 pre-cut pieces designed specifically for bass guitar fingerboards. These frets are shaped to fit a 7-inch curve, which matches well with bass fingerboards that have a 9.5-inch radius, making installation easier and more precise. Each fret measures about .046 inches in height and .103 inches in width, providing a comfortable feel for your fingers and helping you play smoothly. Made from durable nickel-silver, these frets offer long-lasting performance and a classic look. If you want to upgrade or repair your bass guitar, these frets give you the reliability and quality you need to get the job done right.
C. B. Gitty Guitar Fret Wire
C. B. Gitty Fret Wire is a premium nickel-silver medium/low gauge wire, perfect for both acoustic and electric guitars, banjos, cigar box guitars, and more. With six feet of durable wire, it's enough for any guitar and comes in 8-inch pre-radiused lengths for easy installation. This fret wire is great for new building or repair work. The crown width of .080" (2.03mm) and crown height of .037" (0.94mm) provide excellent playability, while the recommended slot width of .023" ensures a snug fit. Whether you're building a new guitar or repairing an old one, C. B. Gitty Fret Wire is a reliable and convenient choice.
Holmer Stainless Steel Fret Wire for Electric Guitar and Bass
The Holmer Guitar Fret Wires are made of durable stainless steel and pre-cut in 24 pieces with a radius of 12 inches, perfect for new guitar building or repair work. The fret wires have a beautiful chrome color, delicate and smooth surface, and a bright tone. They fit in a minimum 2.9mm deep slot and range in size from 43.8mm to 58.2mm. The size specs are also provided for easy installation.
Jim Dunlop Fretwire 6S6105
The Jim Dunlop Fretwire is crafted from a durable nickel/silver alloy, making it an excellent choice for electric guitar enthusiasts. This material not only enhances the longevity of your frets but also provides a smooth playing experience. You’ll appreciate the improved sound quality that this fretwire delivers, allowing for clearer notes and chords. Additionally, the alloy’s resistance to wear ensures that your guitar maintains its performance over time. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, you'll find that the Jim Dunlop Fretwire contributes to a more enjoyable and reliable playing experience.
StewMac Pre-Cut and Pre-Radiused Fretwire Set
StewMac Pre-Cut and Pre-Radiused Fretwire Set is designed for busy shops to save time and money. The wire is pre-cut and pre-radiused, making fretting process faster, easier, and more profitable. The medium width is suitable for acoustic or electric guitar, and each pack contains 24 pieces of pre-cut wire, measuring 2.75" long, with the size of 0.023" (0.58mm) fret slot width.
Stainless Steel Fret Wire for Guitars - Medium/Highest Gauge
This German-made Stainless Steel fret wire is durable and beautiful. The most durable wire in the market, it is great for acoustic & electric guitars, banjos, dulcimers, cigar box guitars & more. It comes in pre-radiused 8-inch lengths for ease of install, making it perfect for new building or repair work. Six feet is more than enough for any standard guitar, banjo or other standard-sized instrument. Its size specs include crown height of .055" (1.40mm), crown width of .090" (2.29mm), and tang depth of .067" (1.47mm). Recommended Tang Width is .023".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many frets does an electric guitar have?
Most modern electric guitars have 22 frets, which is considered the standard. However, some guitars, particularly older models or certain Fender guitars, may have 21 frets.
2. What is the difference between 6150 and 6100 frets?
The main difference between 6150 and 6100 frets is their impact on sound and playability. 6100 frets are suitable for beginners as they are easier to install, bend, and tune. On the other hand, 6150 frets are preferred by expert guitarists who want to play subtle and slow music due to their smooth transition.
3. Why do guitars only have 22 frets?
Guitars typically have 22 frets because it affects the tone. The placement of the neck pickup closer to the nut of the guitar on a 22-fret guitar creates a warmer and thicker sound. Additionally, the shorter neck length of a 22-fret guitar makes it generally easier to play as it reduces the need to reach far down the fretboard.
4. Are 12-fret guitars easier to play?
For individuals with a smaller frame, a 12-fret guitar can be more comfortable to play as it reduces the need to reach far down the neck. However, for those accustomed to playing a 14-fret guitar, a 12-fret guitar may feel cramped. The ease of playing a 12-fret guitar depends on personal preference and comfort.
5. Does fret size matter?
Fret size can impact your playing style, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer your fingers to touch the fingerboard when fretting the strings, frets with smaller sizes like 6130, 6150, or 6230 may be more suitable for you.
6. What fret size is easiest to play?
For beginners or rhythm players, small to medium frets are generally easier to play. These fret sizes allow for easy chording and sliding from one barre chord to another without feeling like you're encountering speed bumps.
During our electric guitar fret research, we found 24 electric guitar fret products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,692 customer reviews through our big data system to write the electric guitar frets list. We found that most customers choose electric guitar frets with an average price of $17.91.
The electric guitar frets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of electric guitar frets, including C. B. Gitty, StewMac, Dunlop, Fender, Holmer. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 141 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.