Double Cut Guitar article
Double Cut Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A double cut guitar isn't just a style choice — the design offers real comfort advantages for beginners, especially if you've got smaller hands or prefer an upright playing position.
Thinking about buying your first electric guitar? You've probably heard the term "double cut" and wondered what all the fuss is about. A double cut guitar isn't complicated — it's simply a design choice that changes how the guitar feels in your hands and looks on your body. As a beginner, understanding this shape will help you pick an instrument that's genuinely comfortable for you.
What Is a Double Cut Guitar?
A double cut guitar has two cutaways — indented sections — on either side of the upper bout, right where the neck joins the body. Think of it as symmetrical; the guitar looks balanced, with the cutaways mirroring each other. This design was popularized by Fender's Jaguar and Jazzmaster models, and later became a signature look for instruments from brands like Rickenbacker and semi-hollow bodies.
The double cutaway design serves a practical purpose: it makes the upper frets — those high notes near the body — more accessible. Instead of wrestling with a large horn blocking your arm, you've got clear space to reach all the way up the neck. For a beginner, this might not matter immediately, but as your playing progresses and you tackle solos or lead lines, you'll appreciate the access.
Why Choose a Double Cut as a Beginner?
If you're just starting out, comfort is king. A double cut guitar distributes its body more symmetrically, which means it balances differently than a single-cutaway model like a Les Paul or Stratocaster. Some players find this balance easier to manage when standing or sitting. The guitar sits more upright against your chest, which can reduce shoulder and neck strain during long practice sessions.
The aesthetic appeal is also worth mentioning. Double cut guitars often look modern and sleek — there's something satisfying about the symmetry. If you love the look, you're more likely to pick up the guitar and practise, and that matters more than any technical spec. Motivation is half the battle when learning.
How a Double Cut Differs From Single Cutaway Designs
A single-cutaway guitar — think Gibson Les Paul or Epiphone SG — has just one horn on the upper bout, with a large rounded or pointed shape on the opposite side. These are warm, classic-looking instruments, but they do make accessing the highest frets trickier because the body's mass gets in the way.
A double cut spreads that body material evenly, so there's symmetry and — crucially for beginners — less physical obstruction. If you've got average-to-small hands, or if you're shorter in stature, this can be a genuine comfort advantage. The table below illustrates the key differences:
| Feature | Single Cutaway | Double Cutaway |
|---|---|---|
| Fret access | Limited beyond 15th fret | Easy access to upper frets |
| Balance when standing | Tends to angle downward | More upright, neutral angle |
| Comfort for small hands | Can be awkward | Generally more accessible |
| Classic look | Yes, very iconic | Modern, sleek aesthetic |
| Body weight | Often heavier (solid body) | Varies; can be lighter |
Finding the Right Double Cut for Your Hands and Body
As a beginner, don't let anyone convince you that a double cut is inherently "better" or "worse" than any other shape. What matters is this: when you pick up the guitar and play a chord, does it feel natural? Can you reach the frets without straining? Does the weight sit comfortably on your shoulder?
Visit a music shop and try several double cut models if you can — different brands and price points will feel subtly different. Play an A chord, a D chord, and a G chord on each one. Notice the neck width, the body depth, and how the cutaways position your fretting hand. The right guitar is the one that feels right for you, not the one that's trendy or looks coolest in a music video.
If you have smaller hands, a double cut from a brand with narrower neck profiles — think Ibanez or Squier — might be your best bet. If you're taller and stronger, a heavier double cut like a semi-hollow Rickenbacker will feel balanced and stable.
Popular Double Cut Models for Beginners
Fender Jaguars and Jazzmasters are iconic double cuts, though they can feel pricey and niche for absolute beginners. A Squier Jazzmaster (the budget-friendly cousin) is a solid entry point if the double cut aesthetic appeals to you. For something more traditional, an Epiphone semi-hollow double cut gives you that elegant, jazzy look with comfortable playability.
Don't overlook brand-agnostic budget double cuts either. Many affordable manufacturers produce serviceable double cut electric guitars in the £150–300 range. They might not be heirloom instruments, but they'll teach you the fundamentals and let you decide whether the double cut design is genuinely your thing.
Action, Setup, and First Steps
Regardless of shape, a double cut guitar needs the same care and setup as any other. The action — how high the strings sit — should be comfortable enough to fret chords without buzzing. Visit a luthier or experienced tech for a proper setup (around £30–50) once you get the guitar home. They'll check the neck, adjust the truss rod if needed, and ensure the bridge is level. This single investment transforms how a beginner experiences the instrument.
Plug it into a small amp (even a 5-watt practice amp works great for beginners), tune it properly, and play. Don't overthink the shape — if it feels right and sounds good, that's your guitar.
Should a Beginner Buy a Double Cut?
The honest answer: only if it appeals to you or if the ergonomics genuinely suit your body and hands. A double cut is neither inherently better nor worse than a single-cutaway or offset design. Your motivation, comfort, and the quality of the setup matter far more than the shape.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of different guitar styles and understand how shapes, tones, and builds interact across the board, explore our complete guide to double cut guitars. It covers everything from classic Fender designs to modern semi-hollow and solid options.
Start with what feels right, practise consistently, and enjoy the journey. The shape of the guitar matters far less than the dedication you bring to learning.
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