Les Paul vs Stratocaster Which Electric Guitar Is for You
Ask ten guitarists what the two most important electric guitars are and most will name these. They sit at opposite ends of the design table, which is exactly why the choice matters.
The Les Paul
A Les Paul has a thick, carved body, a glued in neck and two humbucking pickups. The sound is warm and heavy with long sustain. It is the guitar of classic rock, blues rock and hard rock. It weighs more than most other electrics, which some players feel after a two hour set.
The Stratocaster
A Stratocaster has a contoured, lighter body, a bolt on neck, three single coil pickups and a tremolo arm. The sound is bright and clear with more sparkle and less sustain. It covers pop, funk, blues, country and plenty of rock. Our Stratocaster vs Telecaster guide looks at its closest relative.
What you feel in the hands
- Scale length. The Les Paul has a shorter scale, so the strings feel a little slacker and bends come easier. The Stratocaster is longer and feels tighter and snappier.
- Neck join. The glued neck on a Les Paul adds sustain. The bolt on neck on a Stratocaster is easy to adjust and replace.
- Weight. The Les Paul is heavier. Try both on a strap before you decide.
What you hear
Humbuckers are thick and quiet. Single coils are bright and can hum under stage lights. If you want crunch and sustain, lean Les Paul. If you want clean chime and the in between tones from the five way switch, lean Stratocaster. A Strat with a humbucker in the bridge, usually labeled HSS, splits the difference.
Other shapes worth a look
The PRS SE Silver Sky is a modern take on the Stratocaster idea. The Jackson Dinky and Ibanez GIO shapes are built for heavier music with fast necks.
Which one first
Buy the one that sounds like the records you love. You will practice more. For a first electric of either kind, read the electric guitar buying guide for beginners.
Every instrument we ship is set up by hand on our bench in Athens, Tennessee first. Read what a guitar setup is to see what that covers. Browse all electric guitars. Questions? Call the shop at (423) 462-1894 and a real person will help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Les Paul harder to play than a Stratocaster?
No. The shorter scale makes bends a little easier. It is heavier though so try one on a strap.
Which is better for blues a Les Paul or a Strat?
Both have a long blues history. Les Pauls give thick sustain and Strats give bright clean tones. Pick the one that matches the players you listen to.
What does HSS mean on a Stratocaster?
A humbucker in the bridge position with two single coils so you get some of both sounds.
Do I need a tremolo arm?
Only if you want to bend pitch with it. Many players never touch it and a fixed bridge stays in tune more easily.
