Squarenecks

Squarenecks refers to guitars and related instruments that use a square or rectangular neck cross-section. The design is most common on square-neck resonator guitars and on lap steel guitars, where the neck's geometry influences playing technique and tonal characteristics. The term distinguishes these instruments from conventional round-neck guitars.

Originating in the American early- to mid-20th century, square-neck designs arose with Hawaiian guitar and resonator traditions. Players rest the instrument on the lap and use a steel bar or slide to frets rather than typical finger-picking, a method that benefits from the flat, wide fretboard afforded by the square neck. Manufacturers such as Dobro and National offered square-neck models.

Construction and setup typically feature a flat or minimally radiused fretboard, a wider nut and scale layout, and a neck that is intentionally thicker and more angular than a standard guitar neck. The neck supports either a resonator cone or a conventional body, influencing sustain and projection. In addition to slide playing, some players employ fingerstyle or hybrid techniques on square-neck instruments.

Playing style and tone characteristics of squarenecks emphasize bright, penetrating upper partials and strong sustain, with a voice shaped by the resonator design in many models. The square neck supports lap-style playing and open tunings favored by Hawaiian, blues, and country players. While less common in modern mainstream guitar, squared necks remain a specialized choice in certain genres.

See also: Lap steel guitar, resonator guitar, Dobro, Hawaiian guitar.