Most bass guitars have between 20 and 24 frets

A standard bass guitar typically has 20, 21, 22, or 24 frets. The most common count is 24 frets, which gives you access to two full octaves above the open string. A 20-fret bass is less common now but still appears on vintage models and some budget instruments. The number of frets affects how high you can play and how the neck feels under your hand.

Frets are the metal strips embedded across the fingerboard that divide it into playable sections. Each fret represents one semitone (half-step) in pitch. When you press a string down at a fret, you shorten the vibrating length of the string and raise its pitch. The distance between frets gets slightly smaller as you move toward the body of the bass, which is why higher frets feel closer together.

Key Takeaways

  • A 24-fret bass lets you play two full octaves above the open string, while a 20-fret bass stops one octave higher.
  • The number of frets affects neck length and playability — more frets mean a longer reach to the higher positions.
  • Extended-range basses with 5 or 6 strings often have 24 frets as standard to maximize the range of lower strings.
  • Fret count does not determine sound quality; a well-made 20-fret bass can sound as good as a 24-fret model.

Why 24 frets became the standard

Twenty-four frets became the industry standard for bass guitars because they provide enough range for most playing styles without making the neck uncomfortably long. A 24-fret neck reaches to the body joint, where the neck meets the body. Going beyond that requires a cutaway body design, which changes the instrument's shape and cost.

The 24-fret count also matches the fret layout of electric guitars, which makes it easier for musicians who play both instruments. If you already know where a note lives on a guitar neck, you can find it on a 24-fret bass at the same fret position, just four strings lower in pitch.

What 20 frets means for your playing range

A 20-fret bass gives you one full octave above the open string. On a standard 4-string bass tuned E-A-D-G, the 20th fret on the G string reaches the G two octaves above the open G. This is enough range for most rock, blues, and funk playing, where you rarely venture into the highest positions anyway.

Twenty-fret basses are lighter and have a shorter neck, which some players prefer for comfort. They are also less expensive to manufacture, so you will find them on budget models and vintage instruments from the 1960s and 1970s. If you play mostly in the lower and middle positions, the missing four frets will not limit you.

Extended-range basses and fret count

A 5-string or 6-string bass almost always has 24 frets as standard. The extra strings add lower pitches (usually a low B on a 5-string), and 24 frets may support those lower strings have the same range as the higher strings. A 5-string bass with only 20 frets would feel unbalanced — the low B string would have much less usable range than the G string.

Some high-end 5-string and 6-string basses go beyond 24 frets. A 26-fret or 27-fret extended-range bass requires a cutaway body or a longer upper horn to reach those frets comfortably. These are specialty instruments used in jazz fusion, progressive metal, and other genres where extreme range matters.

How fret count affects neck length and feel

More frets mean a longer neck from the headstock to the body. A 24-fret neck is roughly 1 to 1.5 inches longer than a 20-fret neck. If you have smaller hands or prefer a compact instrument, a 20-fret bass may feel easier to play. The shorter reach to the higher positions means less stretching.

The spacing between frets also matters. On a 24-fret neck, the frets in the higher positions are closer together because they are packed into the same fingerboard width. This can make precise fretting harder in the highest positions if you have large fingers, but it also makes fast playing easier because you do not have to move your hand as far.

Fret count does not determine sound quality

The number of frets on a bass does not affect how it sounds. Sound comes from the wood, the pickups, the electronics, and how well the instrument is built and set up. A well-made 20-fret bass with quality hardware and pickups will sound as good as a poorly made 24-fret bass. Fret count is a feature that affects what you can play, not how it sounds.

Some players prefer the tone of vintage 20-fret basses because they were built with different materials and construction methods, not because of the fret count itself. If you are choosing between two basses and one has more frets, that extra range is only valuable if you actually use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more frets to a bass with only 20 frets?

No. Adding frets requires removing the fingerboard, refitting it, and re-slotting and installing new frets. This is a major repair that costs nearly as much as a new bass and risks damaging the instrument. If you need more range, buying a 24-fret bass is the practical choice.

Do I need 24 frets if I only play rock and blues?

No. Rock and blues rarely use the highest frets. A 20-fret bass covers the range most players need for these styles. The extra frets are useful for jazz, fusion, and classical bass, where higher positions come up more often.

What is the highest note on a 24-fret bass?

On a standard 4-string bass tuned E-A-D-G, the 24th fret on the G string is E, two octaves above the open G string. The exact pitch depends on your tuning, but 24 frets always gives you two full octaves above each open string.

Are 24-fret basses harder to play because the frets are closer together?

The higher frets are closer together, but this is only noticeable if you play frequently in those positions. For most players, the tighter spacing in the upper frets is not a problem. If you have very large hands, you might find a 20-fret bass more comfortable overall.