Guitar Anatomy 101: Parts of the Guitar Explained

The headstock is at the very top of the guitar. It holds the tuning pegs (also called machine heads or tuners), which you turn to adjust the pitch of each string.

There are two main types of headstock designs: straight (common on acoustic guitars) and angled (common on electric guitars and some acoustics). The design affects string tension and tuning stability.

Each string wraps around a tuning peg. Turning the peg clockwise tightens the string (raises the pitch), and turning counterclockwise loosens it (lowers the pitch).

The neck runs from the headstock to the body. It contains the fretboard (also called the fingerboard), which is the flat surface where you press the strings.

Frets are the metal strips embedded in the fretboard. Pressing a string against a fret shortens its vibrating length, producing a higher pitch. The closer to the bridge you press, the higher the note.

The nut is a small piece (usually plastic or bone) at the end of the fretboard closest to the headstock. It has slots that guide the strings and maintain proper spacing.

The body is the large wooden part of the guitar that amplifies the sound (acoustic) or houses electronics (electric). It consists of three main sections: the upper bout, waist, and lower bout.

The soundhole (acoustic) or pickups (electric) sits on the body. The soundhole projects acoustic sound, while pickups convert string vibrations into electrical signals.

The bridge holds the strings at the body end. The saddle sits in the bridge and transfers string vibrations to the soundboard. The bridge pins (acoustic) or tailpiece (electric) secure the strings.