The body of an electric guitar is almost as iconic as the music it produces. It’s the first thing that catches the eye, and for many musicians, is a reflection of their musical identity. Think Jimi Hendrix and his upside-down Stratocaster® or Steve Vai and the Ibanez Jem®, complete with monkey grip handle.
In this guide, we’re going to delve into the nuanced world of guitar bodies, exploring many of the most recognizable body shapes from the voluptuous curves of a Stratocaster® to the unusual body shape of the Explorer®, or Flying V®, each body shape carries a legacy of engineering, ergonomic research, and musical history.
Understanding Body Shapes
Before we get started, let’s establish a foundation for understanding the body shapes we will be looking at.
Guitar body shape refers to the contour and outline of a guitar's frame, which is the central part of the instrument excluding the neck and headstock. This shape is critical in defining the instrument's visual identity and ergonomic handling, as it influences how the guitar will rest against the player's body and how the hands access various parts of the instrument. While some are similar, particularly superstrats for example, each model, has a unique body shape that contributes to its distinct appearance and feel.
This aspect of guitar design is crucial for several reasons:
- Aesthetic Appeal:
The shape determines the visual identity of the guitar. Iconic designs, like those of the Fender Stratocaster® or Telecaster®, are instantly recognizable and have become part of the cultural image of electric guitars. - Ergonomics:
The way the guitar feels when held and played is significantly affected by its body shape. Factors such as balance, weight distribution, and the accessibility of upper frets are all influenced by the guitar’s design. A well-shaped guitar body can greatly enhance the comfort of the player, which can, in turn, impact playing style and endurance. - Sound Quality:
Although more significant in acoustic guitars, all things being equal, the body shape of an electric guitar can influence the instrument’s resonance and sustain. The distribution of mass and the interaction of the strings with the body can subtly influence the tonal characteristics, although this is hotly debated and would only have a minor impact. - Playability:
The body shape can determine how easily a guitar can be played in different positions, whether sitting or standing. Certain shapes are better suited to accommodate seated playing, while others might be optimized for standing performances. - Brand Identity:
For manufacturers, the body shape is strongly associated with the brand, becoming a part of their identity and marketing. - Historical Context:
Many body shapes have historical significance, with certain shapes being tied to specific eras, genres, or famous musicians e.g. Jimi Hendrix and the Strat®. This historical association can add to the desirability and perceived value of the instrument.
Common Electric Guitar Body Shapes
Taking all this into account, below is a compilation of 40 of the most popular electric guitar body shapes available, from classics such as the Strat® and Les Paul® to more modern body shapes such as the Strandberg Boden®. I’ve also included design notes explaining some of the more interesting and/or iconic aspects of each body shape.
| Body Shape | Design Notes |
|---|---|
Fender Stratocaster® | The Fender Stratocaster features a double-cutaway body shape with smooth, rounded edges and deep contours for the player’s arm and body, known as the arm contour or forearm contour and the belly cut, respectively. These ergonomic contours make the Stratocaster comfortable to play, especially when resting the guitar against the body while standing. The design was revolutionary at its introduction in 1954, created by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares. They aimed to improve upon the earlier Telecaster design by enhancing player comfort and providing easier access to higher frets with the cutaways. The Stratocaster’s body shape not only contributed to its iconic status but also influenced countless other guitar designs, making it one of the most recognizable (and copied) body shapes in guitar history. |
Gibson Les Paul® | The Gibson Les Paul body shape is known for its single-cutaway design, providing access to the upper frets, and its carved top which adds to the guitar’s aesthetic and comfort. The body is thicker and heavier than many other electric guitars, contributing to its sustain and tone. The Les Paul was designed by guitarist Les Paul and Gibson president Ted McCarty, and it was introduced in 1952 as a high-end model to compete with Fender’s Telecaster. Les Paul’s initial concept was to create a guitar with a solid body to reduce feedback and enhance sustain, and the result was the iconic Les Paul design. Its elegant, substantial shape has become synonymous with rock and blues music, remaining largely unchanged and highly revered since its inception. |
Fender Telecaster® | The Fender Telecaster boasts a distinctive, single-cutaway body shape with a flat top and squared edges, which earned it the nickname “slab body.” This utilitarian and minimalist design reflects its early origins when Leo Fender aimed to create a simple, mass-producible electric guitar. Introduced in the early 1950s as the Broadcaster, and later renamed the Telecaster, it was the first widely successful solid-body electric guitar. Its design emphasized functionality and ease of assembly, and its shape, lacking the contoured curves of later Fender models like the Stratocaster, was part of Leo Fender’s vision of a new type of guitar that was durable, straightforward to manufacture, and offered a clear, cutting tone that would go on to define many genres of music. |
Gibson SG® | The Gibson SG features a distinctive thin, flat-top body with a double-cutaway design that allows for full access to all 22 frets. Its pointed “horns” and beveled edges create a look that’s both aggressive and ergonomic. Introduced in 1961 as a new version of the Les Paul, the SG (which stands for “Solid Guitar”) was designed to compete with Fender’s sleek, contoured bodies. The SG quickly became a standalone icon, recognized for its lighter weight and distinctive, sharp body lines. The design was a departure from the thicker, single-cutaway Les Paul and reflected Gibson’s efforts to modernize their image and improve upon playability, which the SG did with its thinner profile and cutaways offering easier access to higher frets. |
Gibson ES-335® | The Gibson Explorer features a bold, angular body shape with sharp points and edges and an asymmetrical design that stands out for its aggressive look. When it was first introduced in 1958, alongside the Flying V, as part of Gibson’s Modernist Series, the Explorer was intended to attract guitarists with its futuristic design ethos, matching the era’s fascination with space and innovation. However, the guitar was initially too radical for the market and did not sell well. Its large, flat slab body was a departure from the curves of traditional guitar shapes, but it offered players a distinctive playing experience with good balance and easy access to high frets. The Explorer’s design, which was far ahead of its time, eventually found favor with rock and metal musicians in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a symbol of the genre’s rebellious spirit. |
Gibson Flying V® | The Gibson Flying V is characterized by its radical “V” shaped body, a design that was ahead of its time when it was introduced in 1958. With two pointed “wings” extending from a central spine, the guitar’s design was part of Gibson’s attempt to inject a modern edge into their lineup and appeal to the space-age sensibilities of the 1950s. Despite its initially poor reception and low sales, the Flying V gained popularity in the late 60s and 70s with the rise of rock and heavy metal. The bold design was not only visually striking but also functional, with the V shape allowing for easy access to the upper frets and the ability to rest one arm of the V on the player’s leg when seated. It has since become an iconic model, often associated with rock and metal genres for its aggressive look and sound. |
Gibson Explorer® | The Gibson Explorer features a bold, angular body shape with sharp points and edges and an asymmetrical design that stands out for its aggressive look. When it was first introduced in 1958, alongside the Flying V, as part of Gibson’s Modernist Series, the Explorer was intended to attract guitarists with its futuristic design ethos, matching the era’s fascination with space and innovation. However, the guitar was initially too radical for the market and did not sell well. Its large, flat slab body was a departure from the curves of traditional guitar shapes, but it offered players a distinctive playing experience with good balance and easy access to high frets. The Explorer’s design, which was far ahead of its time, eventually found favor with rock and metal musicians in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a symbol of the genres’ rebellious spirit. |
PRS Custom 24® | The PRS Custom 24 features a sleek, double-cutaway body shape with elegantly contoured curves and a slightly offset waist, providing a modern aesthetic and comfortable playability. Introduced in 1985 by luthier Paul Reed Smith, the Custom 24 was the first model offered by PRS Guitars and quickly became the company’s flagship instrument. Its design was a culmination of Smith’s meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, merging classic elements with innovative features such as a 24-fret neck—hence the model name. The Custom 24’s body is typically carved from mahogany with a maple top, often featuring a beautifully figured maple veneer, which has become a hallmark of PRS’s luxurious style. This guitar was designed to offer a versatile sound, excellent sustain, and stability, which have made it a favorite among professional musicians across various music genres. |
Rickenbacker 360® | The Rickenbacker 360 is renowned for its sleek, double-cutaway body with rounded edges and a distinctive “crescent moon” shape, which gives it an almost art deco appearance. Introduced in the late 1950s, the 360 was part of Rickenbacker’s Capri series and quickly became one of the company’s most iconic models. Its design was a departure from the more traditional shapes of the time, featuring a thinner semi-hollow body with a characteristic “R” shaped soundhole known as the cat’s eye, a design choice that contributed to its unique sound and aesthetic. The 360’s innovative body shape was not only visually appealing but also ergonomically designed for player comfort, and it has been historically favored by musicians seeking a distinctive look and the bright, jangly sound that Rickenbacker guitars are known for. |
Fender Jazzmaster® | The Fender Jazzmaster has a distinctive offset-waist body shape with smooth, rounded curves and a relatively flat top. Introduced in 1958, the Jazzmaster was originally designed to appeal to jazz guitarists with its innovative lead and rhythm circuitry and a wider, more mellow-sounding single-coil pickup than Fender’s other models. The offset body was not just a stylistic choice but also an ergonomic one, intended to be more comfortable for players when sitting down, which was common in jazz performances. However, the Jazzmaster found its main audience not in the jazz community, but among surf rock musicians in the 1960s, and later, it became a staple in the alternative and indie rock scenes. The Jazzmaster’s body shape has remained largely unchanged, a testament to its enduring design. *The Fender Jaguar and Jazzmaster are often thought to have the same body shape because they share a similar offset-waist design, which gives them a distinctive asymmetrical look. However, they are not identical. The Jaguar typically has a shorter scale length and a slightly different contouring around the body’s edges. |
Ibanez JEM® | The Ibanez JEM features a highly stylized superstrat body shape with deep, sharp cutaways, an exaggerated lower “horn” for improved upper fret access, and the iconic “monkey grip” handle cut into the body. Created in collaboration with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai in the mid-1980s, the JEM was designed to accommodate Vai’s technical and visual requirements, marking it as one of the most player-centric guitars at the time. The shape is tailored for high performance and comfort, with aesthetics that reflect Vai’s flamboyant playing style. It was a pioneering model for Ibanez, incorporating advanced features such as a 24-fret fingerboard and a floating tremolo system, which were innovative for electric guitars during its initial release, helping to set a new standard for what a rock guitar could offer in terms of playability and design. |
Jackson Soloist® | The Jackson Soloist boasts a contoured superstrat body shape, with deep cutaways that allow for unimpeded access to the higher frets and a relatively slim body profile for comfortable playability. Introduced in the early 1980s, the Soloist was one of the first guitars to offer a neck-through-body construction, enhancing sustain and stability—a feature that was particularly appealing to metal guitarists of the era. The Soloist’s design was a response to the burgeoning demand for highly playable, high-performance guitars suited to the technical precision required in hard rock and heavy metal. Its refined and aggressive look, combined with top-tier hardware and electronics, solidified the Soloist as a mainstay in Jackson’s lineup, influencing the design of many subsequent models in the genre. |
Gibson Firebird® | The Gibson Firebird features a unique offset body shape, often likened to a reverse Fender Jaguar or Jazzmaster, with its larger lower bout and pointed “wings.” This distinctive look is further emphasized by its through-neck construction. The Firebird was introduced in 1963, designed by renowned automotive designer Ray Dietrich, who was tasked with creating a guitar that could compete with the modern looks of Fender’s electric guitars. Dietrich’s design was radical for Gibson, featuring a nine-ply walnut and mahogany neck-through construction for increased sustain and a ‘reversed’ body shape that was a dramatic departure from Gibson’s traditional designs. While initially met with mixed reactions, the Firebird has since become one of Gibson’s iconic models. |
Gretsch White Falcon® | The Gretsch White Falcon presents an opulent, large-bodied, single-cutaway shape with an arched top and oversized f-holes, reminiscent of a grand auditorium acoustic guitar but with a shallower depth typical of semi-hollow electric guitars. Designed to be the “Cadillac of guitars,” the White Falcon started as a concept model to exhibit the craftsmanship and luxurious appointments Gretsch could offer. Over time, due to popular demand, it transitioned into production, becoming a flagship model. The White Falcon’s body shape, with its elegant curves and grand dimensions, has remained a symbol of guitar luxury and a coveted design for collectors and players alike. |
Ibanez Iceman® | The Ibanez Iceman features a distinctive and aggressive body shape with sharp, angular contours and an asymmetrical double-cutaway design. Its body is characterized by a hooked “horn” on the lower cutaway and an offset waist, which gives it a bold, unconventional look that stands out among traditional guitar shapes. |
Ibanez RG® | The Ibanez RG series features a sharp, angular superstrat body shape with deep cutaways for ease of access to higher frets and a sleek, aerodynamic appearance. Originating in 1987, the RG (short for “Roadstar Guitar”) was a continuation of the Ibanez Roadstar II series with significant design modifications catering to the rising demands of the shredding and metal scenes. The body shape of the RG was designed for high-speed playability and comfort. Known for its pointed horns and slim profile, the RG became synonymous with the technical precision of 80s and 90s rock and metal guitarists, establishing it as a staple in the Ibanez lineup. |
Jackson Rhoads® | The Jackson Rhoads model boasts an asymmetrical V-shaped body with sharp, pointed ends, one side longer than the other, giving it a distinctive and aggressive look. This design was the result of a collaboration between the late guitarist Randy Rhoads and Jackson’s founder, Grover Jackson, who sought to create a striking stage guitar that deviated from traditional shapes. First introduced in the early 1980s, the Rhoads model was one of the first Jackson guitars to be produced and quickly became iconic within the heavy metal genre. Its bold, angular appearance and enhanced upper fret access catered to the technical prowess and performance flair of the virtuosic heavy metal guitarist. |
ESP Eclipse® | The ESP Eclipse features a single-cutaway body shape with a design reminiscent of the classic Les Paul, but with its own modern modifications. It has a more contoured and sleeker silhouette with a slightly sharper cutaway and a reduced thickness for improved comfort and playability. This model, introduced by ESP in the early 1990s, was a response to the growing demand for a more contemporary and versatile version of the traditional single-cutaway design that could cater to a variety of playing styles, including hard rock and heavy metal. The Eclipse’s more aggressive lines and streamlined aesthetics reflect a blend of classic inspiration with modern performance needs, establishing it as a staple in ESP’s lineup. |
B.C. Rich Warlock® | The B.C. Rich Warlock features an aggressive and angular body shape, characterized by its sharp points and beveled edges, which give it a very distinct appearance. Introduced in the early 1980s, the Warlock was designed by Bernie Rico of B.C. Rich as part of the company’s efforts to create guitars with unconventional and edgy designs. The Warlock’s bold, geometric lines and dramatic silhouette quickly made it an iconic symbol of the metal genre. |
Danelectro 59® | The Danelectro ’59 features a distinctive double-cutaway body shape, often referred to as the “shorthorn” design, due to its smaller, symmetrical horns compared to other guitars, notably the Danelectro ‘Longhorn’. The body is typically made of a Masonite top and back, with a poplar wood frame, known for its lightweight and resonant qualities. Introduced in the late 1950s, the Danelectro ’59 was part of an affordable line of guitars, which became renowned for their unique construction and lipstick tube pickups, contributing to a characteristic jangly tone. The design’s simplicity and distinctive materials were a result of Danelectro’s goal to produce cost-effective yet playable instruments. Over time, the ’59 became a cult favorite, eventually becoming one of Danelectro’s most iconic models. |
EVH Wolfgang® | Designed by Eddie Van Halen, the EVH Wolfgang boasts a unique offset double-cutaway body shape with sleek, arched top contours and a distinctive horn design that offers comfortable playability and easy access to the upper frets. This signature model was developed by Eddie in partnership with the guitar manufacturer Fender under the EVH brand, after years of experimentation with various guitar designs and custom modifications. The body shape, while reminiscent of some classic styles, includes personal touches like the custom “belly” cut and the forearm contour, making it uniquely suited to Eddie’s groundbreaking playing style. |
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci® | The Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci signature guitar series showcases a streamlined, modern double-cutaway body shape with rounded contours and a pronounced forearm scoop for enhanced playing comfort. Developed in close collaboration with Dream Theater’s John Petrucci, the body design reflects Petrucci’s ergonomic requirements, featuring a slightly angled, extended upper horn for balance and a sculpted lower horn to facilitate access to higher frets. The Petrucci models also typically feature a recessed neck joint, further easing playability up the neck. Over the years, this signature series has evolved through Petrucci’s input and Music Man’s craftsmanship, leading to various iterations. |
Gibson L-5® | The Gibson L5 features a large, deep-bodied archtop design with a single-cutaway, f-holes, and a rounded Venetian-style body. As the first f-hole archtop guitar, it was designed by master luthier Lloyd Loar and introduced by Gibson in 1923. The L5’s body shape was revolutionary, taking inspiration from orchestral string instruments and applying it to the guitar, which resulted in increased volume and projection suitable for the jazz bands of the era. Its iconic body shape, often crafted from high-quality woods and adorned with luxurious appointments, has made the L5 a symbol of the golden age of jazz. |
Gretsch Duo Jet® | The Gretsch Duo Jet is characterized by its single-cutaway, chambered body shape with a distinctive, rounded cutaway reminiscent of the Les Paul. Introduced in the early 1950s, the Duo Jet was Gretsch’s answer to the solid-body electric guitar boom, although its semi-solid design with a chambered mahogany body capped with a laminated maple top set it apart. The body’s comfortable size and shape and often a black finish with white binding (earning it the nickname “Black Beauty”), made it a visually and sonically distinct choice among musicians of the 1950s and 1960s. The Duo Jet’s distinctive body shape, known for its balance and resonance, has been associated with iconic players like George Harrison, and it remains a classic model in Gretsch’s lineup. |
B.C. Rich Mockingbird® | The B.C. Rich Mockingbird features an asymmetric and ornate body shape with a distinctively curved lower bout and an extended upper horn, which gives it a characteristic profile and balance. Created in the 1970s by guitar designer Johnny “Go-Go” Kallas and B.C. Rich founder Bernie Rico, the Mockingbird was part of the company’s foray into more avant-garde and exotic guitar designs, standing out in an era where guitar innovation was highly valued. The design was aimed at capturing the flamboyance of the rock and heavy metal scenes, providing both visual flair and functionality with its deep cutaways for upper fret access and a comfortable contour against the player’s body. |
Schecter Hellraiser® | The Schecter Hellraiser series showcases a superstrat body shape with an arched top, deep cutaways for higher fret access, and a contoured back for player comfort. This series was introduced in the mid-2000s, reflecting Schecter’s commitment to the modern metal guitarist. The design merges classic strat-style playability with modern aesthetics and features. |
Fender Mustang® | The Fender Mustang® guitar features a distinctive short-scale, offset body shape with rounded contours and a compact overall design. The body is smaller than many standard electric guitars, contributing to its lightweight and comfortable playing experience, which has been favored by players with a preference for a more manageable instrument size. |
Fender Starcaster® | The Fender Starcaster features a unique offset semi-hollow body shape with a distinctively curved outline and a pair of pronounced, asymmetrical cutaways that give it a standout silhouette. Launched in the mid-1970s, the Starcaster was Fender’s entry into the semi-hollow body market, distinguished by its bold design, aiming to blend the company’s renowned solid-body expertise with the resonant qualities of a hollow construction. The Starcaster’s large, bound f-holes were departures from Fender’s traditional designs and were intended to capture the aesthetics of the era while providing the warmth and depth of tone associated with semi-hollow guitars. |
Charvel San Dimas® | The Charvel San Dimas style guitar features a sleek superstrat body shape, known for its deep cutaways that allow easy access to higher frets and a contoured body for player comfort. This model pays homage to the hot-rodded guitars that were coming out of the Charvel shop in San Dimas, California during the late 1970s and early 1980s. |
PRS Single Cut® | The PRS Singlecut features a thick, single-cutaway body shape with an elegantly carved, top. The design is reminiscent of the classic Les Paul but with Paul Reed Smith’s unique touches, such as the more contoured, comfortable body shape. Introduced in the late 1990s, the Singlecut was PRS’s entry into the single-cutaway market. The model’s slightly offset waist complements its classic outline, merging traditional aesthetics with modern playability. |
Parker Fly® | Known for its lightweight design and the use of composite materials, it’s a modern guitar with a unique shape. |
Suhr Modern® | The Suhr Modern features a sleek and ergonomic double-cutaway body shape with distinctive contouring for enhanced playability. It represents a modernized evolution of the classic superstrat design, with a more sculpted and refined aesthetic. Introduced by Suhr Guitars in the late 2000s, the Modern was designed to cater to the needs of contemporary guitarists, combining ease of access to high frets with a comfortable, balanced feel whether standing or sitting. The body shape is characterized by a distinctive arm contour and a ribcage cut on the back of the guitar. |
Mosrite Ventures® | The Mosrite Ventures model exhibits a distinctive slim, double-cutaway body shape with sharp, pointed horns and a long, sweeping lower bout. This design was the result of a collaboration between Semie Moseley, founder of Mosrite, and the members of the surf rock band The Ventures in the early 1960s. The guitar’s body, with its deep cutaways, allowed for easy access to the upper frets, while its sleek, aerodynamic aesthetic captured the spirit of the Space Age and California’s surf culture. It stood out from the more traditional shapes of the era and became a symbol of Mosrite’s innovative approach to guitar craftsmanship. |
Gibson Les Paul Junior® (Double Cut) | The Les Paul Junior Double Cut features a symmetrical double-cutaway body shape. Introduced by Gibson in 1958, the Les Paul Junior was originally designed as an affordable, entry-level version of the more expensive Les Paul model. The Junior’s double-cutaway design was part of a mid-century trend towards more player-friendly guitar shapes, and it offered a no-frills approach with its straightforward design and, robust build making it a favorite among players seeking a raw, but surprisingly powerful guitar. |
Ibanez S Series® | The Ibanez S Series, also known as the Saber Series, is renowned for its sleek, contoured, and thin body shape. Introduced in the late 1980s, the S Series was designed as a response to guitarists’ demands for lighter, more ergonomic instruments that still maintained sustain and tone. The body is most notable for its slim profile that tapers to a razor-thin edge around the contour of the guitar. This design philosophy was a significant departure from the bulkier bodies of traditional electric guitars, aiming to provide comfort and playability without sacrificing sound quality. |
Dean ML® | The Dean ML features a distinctive and radical body shape with an oversized, pointed double-cutaway design that combines elements of both the Gibson Flying V and Explorer. Created by Dean Zelinsky in 1977, the ML was designed to be a visually striking guitar with an eye-catching silhouette, intended to stand out on stage. The ML’s shape is characterized by its equal-length, pointed “wings” that extend from the body, providing a balance that is unique among guitar designs. It gained notoriety and iconic status largely thanks to “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott of Pantera, who famously wielded a Dean ML and contributed to its legacy as a guitar associated with heavy metal and hard rock. |
Fender Thinline Telecaster®  | The Fender Thinline models, such as the Telecaster Thinline, feature a semi-hollow body design with a single f-hole on the upper bout, presenting a distinctive variation of the classic solid-body shape. Introduced in the late 1960s, the Thinline was Fender’s effort to reduce the weight of the Telecaster and offer a different tonal option that blended the twang of a solid-body with the resonance of a hollow-body. The body retains the iconic Telecaster silhouette with its single cutaway, but the added f-hole and slightly different distribution of mass give the Thinline a unique aesthetic. |
Steinberger GL® | The Steinberger G&L series features a minimalist and compact headless body design, known for its rectangular and almost featureless shape, which was a stark departure from traditional guitar body shapes. Developed by Ned Steinberger in the early 1980s, the G&L was part of his innovative approach to guitar design, focusing on functionality and playability. The headless design, coupled with a unique direct-pull tuning system at the bridge, allowed for a lighter, more balanced instrument with improved tuning stability. Made from composite materials instead of wood, Steinberger guitars were groundbreaking, offering players a durable, travel-friendly option with a distinctive look and feel. |
Kiesel Aries® | The Kiesel Aries guitar features a sleek, modern superstrat body shape with an aggressive beveled top, deep rear body cutaways, and sculpted, sharp horns that allow for easy access to the higher frets. This model reflects Kiesel’s contemporary design philosophy, focusing on a blend of cutting-edge aesthetics and playability for modern musicians. Introduced as part of the rebranding shift from Carvin to Kiesel Guitars, the Aries is emblematic of the company’s commitment to innovation and custom-built quality. |
Strandberg Boden® | The Strandberg Boden features a distinct, compact, and lightweight body shape with an ergonomic design known for its multi-faceted angles and curves, which include an arm bevel, a ribcage contour, and a pronounced upper horn that extends toward the neck. This headless design, with its radical departure from traditional guitar shapes, was developed by Swedish designer Ola Strandberg. The Boden’s design originated from Strandberg’s ergonomic research and his desire to create a highly comfortable and playable instrument that could be used for extended periods without the physical strain associated with heavier guitars. Introduced in the late 2000s, the Strandberg Boden quickly gained popularity with progressive metal guitarists for its innovative features, such as the proprietary EndurNeck™ profile and the unique body shape that allows for balanced standing and seated playing positions. |
Final Thoughts
The list above demonstrates the evolution of design from the classic contours of the Stratocaster (which has remained mostly unchanged since its initial design in 1954) to the futuristic lines of the Strandberg Boden. These 40 shapes represent more than just the physical form of the instrument; they embody the innovation, cultural shifts, and artistic expression that have defined the electric guitar’s role in music across generations.
Each shape tells a story.
Whether it’s the timeless elegance of the Les Paul, the radical edge of the B.C. Rich Warlock, or the ergonomic precision of the Kiesel Aries, these designs have left an indelible mark on the music industry. They’ve inspired countless musicians, from the bedroom hobbyist to the stadium-filling rock star, and will continue to do so as luthiers around the world keep pushing the boundaries of what an electric guitar can be.
