I have read that Gibson guitars are supposedly easier to play because of the shorter scale length. Why is that? Is that true? If it's easier to play a guitar with the Gibson scale length, then why don't all guitars have that scale length?

Hi Rudy: if you put the same set of strings on a Les Paul and a Strat then at standard pitch those on the LP will be at a lower tension and so easier to bend. However, we mostly use a gauge higher on a 24.75 inch scale length neck than on Fender's 25.5 inch one - so they end up feeling pretty similar.

Apart from that, you have to spread the fingers a touch further to play an F major barre chord at the first fret on a Strat than on a Paul. But it's a tiny difference - hardly important even to those of us with smallish hands (me).

I think other differences between Fenders and Gibs are far more significant than scale length.

Cheers - C

Because some people actually find the Fender scale length easier to play. I find it easy to switch back and forth between my Gibsons and Fenders, so it don't matter to me. Variety is the spice of life.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Fender makes short scale guitars also. Jaggies and such. Though I prefer the 25.5" scale, so when I get the balls I'm gonna swap my Jag neck with a strat of Jazz neck.

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I dont think they are any easier for me. Different yes, but not easier.

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Its all a matter of personal preference really...just try as many guitars as you can, if possible, and go with what feels best for you. I have guitars of both scales, but I don't find one easier to play than the other, as they all have 6 strings and at least 21-frets, so thats at least 21 to the exponent of 6 different ways to make things difficult...

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For me, the shape of the neck is far more important than the scale length. Yes, I have 9s on my strat and 10s on my Les Paul, and bending seems about the same. What is different for me is that my Gibson has the "60s neck", thin and flat, versus the 9.5" on my MIM Strat. For barre chords and riffage in general, I prefer the Strat's neck. More "technical" stuff is easier (and sounds better to me) on my Les Paul. YMMV.